By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
SPOTSWOOD star Tom Langlands has been awarded the Western Region Football League’s Most Valuable Player for 2016.
Voted on by all Division 1 coaches, Langlands polled 18 votes, two ahead of St Albans champion Tim Jenkins and Albion ruckman Troy Kelm, who each received 16 votes.
Altona captain Jordan Robins came in fourth place with 12 votes, while Wyndhamvale’s Brian Graham, in his first season with the Falcons, was fifth with 10 votes.
Now in its sixth year the SEN Most Valuable Player Award recognises the WRFL’s best overall senior player in the Division 1 competition.
Using the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 system, coaches voted for the players that were not necessarily the ‘best player’ but one who embodies leadership, versatility, ability to play under pressure, skill and courage, respect for all umpires and overall value to their team.
Langlands had a fantastic year. Of the 16 home and away season games played, he was named in the best on 13 occasions.
The talented midfilder was also involved in the WRFL’s Interleague campaign, representing the league in the Community Championships match against Ballarat earlier this year.
Langlands said he was honoured to have won the MVP award.
“It is special,” he said.
“I have been playing for so many years in the Western Region Football League and have been back at Spotswood for the past six years, so I am pretty stoked to be recognised as one of the better players of the league.”
Langlands said the reason for his standout season was consistency.
“I have been lucky this year,” he said.
“I have taken care of my body and haven’t had any injuries.
“I have played every game this season and that helps to maintain some consistency, it also helps the team as we do have a young side.
“As a leader and a coach, it is important for me to give a 100 per cent each week.”
Spotswood’s 2016 finals campaign ended at the weekend, with Altona defeating the Woodsman on Sunday at Burbank Oval.
As part of Langlands’ award, he will be invited to the Division 1 Grand Final Luncheon on Sunday, September 11. There he will receive his MVP award.
Place
|
Player
|
Club
|
Votes
|
1st
|
Tom Langlands
|
Spotswood
|
18
|
2nd
|
Tim Jenkins
|
St Albans
|
16
|
Tied for 2nd
|
Troy Kelm
|
Albion
|
16
|
4th
|
Jordan Robins
|
Altona
|
12
|
5th
|
Brian Graham
|
Wyndhamvale
|
10
|
Last Modified on 24/08/2016 12:27