The 2009 season was officially brought to an end on Friday night with the annual Presentation Night held at the Royal Hotel. The night started with an address from coaches Dick Gleeson and Peter Heath, at which time the coaches award was presented to Corey Borthwick. Borthwick was a very worthy recipient, always proving to be the team man and never missing a training session. It was then time to award the goal kicking award, which was handed to Mick Viney, making it a club/league double for the full forward. The Most Determined Award was also presented, with Darren Pithers awarded the prize.
The first 5 rounds of the B&F count then followed, with Peter Heath and Joe Kimmince being the early front runners. The Saints then recognised their best first year player, which was handed to Ben Lee, who has taken to the game in leaps and bounds after defecting from rugby. The lanky ruckman finished the night within the top 5 of the overall count, which was a fantastic achievement in his debut year. It was the time for the Club Person of the Year to be handed out, and a very desrving winner in Fiona Brown was chosen this year. Fiona is always at games to help with massages, strapping and injury management and her contribution was very deservedly appreciated with the award. The player of the finals was also handed out in this time, with young gun Mick Cocoran earning the prize following 2 outstanding finals this year.
In Rounds 6 to 10 in the B&F Count saw the contenders emerge, with Heath, Kimmince and Beau Ryan clearly establishing a break form the rest of the field. The general consensus from the playing group was that Ryan's dynamic finish to the season would be enough to make up the 10 points he trailled Heath. During the break, the Seaton Tollis Memorial Award was handed out to best Junior at the club, with Mick Corcoran taking out his second gong. A special presentation was also made to the 3 players who made their 50th appearances this year, Jono Elphick, Stewart Walker and Fraser Hughes. Between these 3 players, there are 2 Best and Fariests and 2 runner ups so they have certainly proven their worth to the club in the past 4 years.
It all came down to the last 5 rounds of the count, and it was Ryan who emerged, polling at least a vote in each of the last 5 rounds, and receiving 30 votes in total from these 5 matches. He came right over the top of Heath, who still polled 50 votes, enough to win the last 3 counts. Kimmince was awarded third place, but received the Most Consistent player award for a very impressive year.
The night was tinged was some sadness, with club stalwart Gerry Taveira announcing he was stepping down from an official role from the club. We can only hope Gerry continues to be involved in the club in some capacity. Gerry's determination and dedication have helped to start and keep this club going and he will be sorely missed.
Last Modified on 24/11/2010 10:36