They may have fallen short in the NEAFL grand final against a high quality Brisbane Lions outfit, but it hasn't stopped the Aspley Hornets from having a stellar season both on and off the field.
Aspley Hornets senior football development manager Mark Perkins said he was delighted with the progress of the club over the past twelve months.
"It all starts at the top, and the recruitment of John Blair as senior coach was a seminal moment for the football club. John's been a highly successful senior coach for most of his career and there is no doubt that he has brought a winning culture to the Hornets.
"We were also fortunate to secure some outstanding recruits and leaders to the club including former Lions Cheynee Stiller and Nathan Clarke as well as Eddie Sansbury from Central Districts.
"To play in the NEAFL grand final after just one season together is a tremendous achievement, seventeen of the twenty two grand final players were locals and that’s a great reflection of the quality of our junior program. The good news is that we don't expect to lose too many players in the off season so it augurs well for the future,” Mark said.
The Hornets also won the Alpha Sports Club of the Year award for their achievements on the field as well as their high performance in regards to compliance and discipline.
‘As one of the largest AFL clubs in Australia, it's fantastic for our brand to be recognised with such a prestigious award and I am sure this will help us attract more players, sponsors and supporters to the club," Mark said.
A number of individuals were also recognised for their outstanding seasons at the recent JA Grogan award evening including John Blair who was inducted into the Hall of Fame and also named NEAFL coach of the year while Cheynee Stiller was voted Syd Guilford Trophy winner for player of the year which is awarded by opposition club coaches and officials.
Cheynee was also selected in the NEAFL team of the year and was joined by fellow Hornets in Michael Hutchinson and Ryan Matthews. Up and comers Isaac Conway, James Ives, Cain Tickner and James Nelis were all nominated for the NAB Rising Star award with Conway finishing runner up.
The Hornets will host their annual awards evening on Friday 11 October at the Club from 6.30pm.
Aspley Hornets 2013 Honour Roll
· NEAFL Club of the year award- Aspley AFC (second time in 3 years)
· NEAFL Coach of the year- John Blair
· Syd Guilford Award( Best player in the NEAFL voted by all NEAFL coaches)- Cheynee Stiller
· NEAFL Team of the Year- Michael Hutchinson, Ryan Matthews, Cheynee Stiller
· All Australia selection U18s- Liam Dawson
· NEAFL Rising Star award- 2nd Isaac Conway- 4th James Nelis
· U18 Rising Star Best & Fairest- Jonah Eoe
· U18 Rising Star Leading Goal kicker- Harris Andrews (80 goals)
· The Club also had 11 representatives in the State U18 Scorpions squad of 30, with Isaac Conway the Captain of this team.
· The Club also has the second highest percentage of Queenslanders on its list behind Mt Gravatt.
Last Modified on 27/09/2013 21:02