Rory Atkins has topped off a wonderful 2012 season by taking out the Robert Hyde Medal.
The 18 year-old took out the Calder Cannons Best and Fairest player on Friday night with 97 votes, 28 clear of runner up Sean Hetherington on 69 and third placed Darcy Bailey a further nine votes back on 60.
Jack Sheahan took an early lead after round 6 with a very strong start to the season playing across half back. It was at the time that Atkins was unfortunately cut from the U18 Victoria Metro side after playing only one game. Atkins put this disappointment behind him and heard calls from outgoing coach Marty Allison to step up and show the selectors they had got it wrong.
Atkins went on to poll heavily in the next 9 games for the Cannons showing leadership that combined with his obvious skill, pace and poise under pressure. Sean Hetherington also had a strong showing during this time to just shadow Atkins after round 14. However Atkins had another best on ground performance in round 15 against the Falcons to put himself in an unassailable lead going into the last few rounds.
Atkins was 'proud to be a Calder Cannons player' and felt privileged to receive the award that a number of champions before him have received. In other awards on the night 'The Most Courageous Award' was given to Jake Young, while Sam Gemmil took out the 'Team Targets Award' with an average of 11.4 which awards the player that averages the greatest number of selected team based statistics.
The "Goal Kicking Award' was taken out by Andrew Gallucci with a total of 24 goals for the season. Marty Allison awarded the 'Coaches Award' to Jake Owen. In one of the most revered awards, the 'Most Improved Award' was given to Daniel Thompson who over the course of the season developed himself as one of the more reliable backline players for the Cannons.
Everyone at the Calder Cannons would like to congratulate Rory Atkins for taking out the Robert Hyde medal in season 2012 and all the other award winners on the night.
The Cannons would also like to wish all the draft hopefuls the very best for the upcoming NAB AFL Draft and Rookie Draft.
Robert Hyde Medal Top Ten Voting
Rory Atkins - 97
Sean Hetherington - 69
Darcy Bailey - 60
Adam Saad - 53
Jonathan O'Rourke - 49
Jack Sheahan - 48
Jake Owen - 43
Andrew Gallucci - 42
Lachlan Plowman - 38
Matthew Dick - 33
Last Modified on 10/10/2013 11:18
