By KRISTEN ALEBAKIS
CHRIS Stewart can add another trophy to his growing cabinet this week, with the Deer Park champion voted as the Western Region Football League Most Valuable Player for 2017.
The Lions stalwart who is in the hunt for a fifth straight premiership was voted as the MVP for this season, capping off another exciting year at John McLeod Reserve.
Voted by the Division 1 coaches, Stewart polled 24 votes to claim the award.
He finished one vote ahead of last year’s winner, Spotswood’s Tom Langlands and four votes ahead of Altona’s Steve Kennedy who scored 20 votes.
Now in its seventh 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.
A total of 24 players were nominated for the award.
Stewart has had a stellar year at the Lions. Of the 18 games he has played, he was named in the best on eight occasions.
Six of the Division 1 coaches voted for Stewart, three of which gave him five votes.
“I am a bit in shock to be honest,” Stewart said.
“It is a privilege and an honour all rolled into one, it’s exciting.
“I have the utmost respect for the coaches in our league and to be voted MVP is a privilege.”
Stewart said the reason why his game has stepped up another level this season was because he lost weight.
“I pulled my finger out and finally lost some weight,” he said. “My mates and my family have supported me along the way.
“I knew I had the talent it was a matter of being fit and getting my fitness up.”
Deer Park are now eyeing off a fifth consecutive Grand Final. There first challenge is the Sunshine Football Club in the Second Semi Final on Saturday.
Place
|
Player
|
Club
|
Votes
|
1st
|
Chris Stewart
|
Deer Park
|
24
|
2nd
|
Tom Langlands
|
Spotswood
|
23
|
3rd
|
Steve Kennedy
|
Altona
|
20
|
4th
|
Liam Cavanagh
|
Sunshine
|
9
|
5th
|
Kwame McHarg
|
Deer Park
|
8
|
Last Modified on 31/08/2017 13:51