Ruckman Matthew Kreuzer has capped off a brilliant junior career by taking out the Northern Knights Best & Fairest award at their vote count held last night at Moonee Valley Racing Club. Kreuzer stormed home late in the season to win comfortably over talented on baller Adrian Totino and bottom aged defender Michael Hurley.
As late as Round 15 Totino led the count, but Kreuzer polled 49 votes (of a possible 75) in the last five games to finish with a total of 155 votes, Totino, who also finished runner-up in the Morrish Medal to Kreuzer was next closest on 123.
Kreuzer was humble in his acceptance speech, as always where he thanked his parents, team mates and the Knights coaching staff for helping develop him as a player. When questioned about the massive media hype surrounding his draft stocks Kreuzer was quick to play it down. "I don't read much into that...It's nice that they're saying it, but I don't take much notice."
In other awards on the night Totino won the Most Valuable Player for the team for his tireless efforts in the midfield. Draft Camp invitee Brett Meredith was adjudged the Best Finals Player after accumulating 61 disposals, 12 marks and kicking 4.4 in two games while playing through the midfield.
Developing ruckman Ben Power's great form late in the season was rewarded by winning the Most Improved Player. Power held down the lead ruck job in Kreuzer's absence during the U/18 National Championships and relished the opportunity, which also saw him secure a State Screening invite. Graduating player Adam Woodhams won the Coaches Award for his commitment to the team on and off the field.
Awards were also issued to U/16 Max Richardson Squad players. Jaryd Cachia won Best Player, while Steve Witkowski and Dylan Grimes (brother of U/18 All-Australian Jack Grimes) each won a Coaches Award.
Kreuzer's Best & Fairest will be the final accolade in his distinguished junior career as he embarks on an AFL career next year. His honours in 2007 include: Northern Knights U/18 Best and Fairest, Morrish Medalist, TAC Cup Coaches Award, U/18 All-Australian, Vic Metro MVP, AFL Draft Camp Invitee, Northern Knights and Vic Metro U/18 Vice Captain. He was also Vic Metro U/18 representative and named in the TAC Cup Team of the Year (2006/07), AIS/AFL Scholarship Holder (2005/06) and Mike Fitzpatrick Scholarship Holder and Vic Metro U/16 representative (2005).
Last Modified on 30/06/2008 14:46