Media Release
By Bryan Mitchell
The TAC Cup season officially concluded for Gippsland Power when the club held its best and fairest presentation at the Morwell RSL. Traditionally this is a day of celebration when the achievements of players and officials are recognised and celebrated but it is also tinged with a feeling of loss as automatically half the playing group "graduate" and move on to a wide range of senior football opportunities. It's possible for boys to be part of the "Power family" for five seasons starting with the under-15's and obviously the players, parents, wider family and friends become attached to the club.
The official part of the day began with coach Paul Hudson announcing that he was moving on to take up an opportunity to become an assistant coach at the Brisbane Lions. He has made a huge impact in his two years with the club with a premiership in 2005 and the successes of 2006. Paul has also assisted Peter Francis in the process of fine-tuning and operating a highly effective structured development program. His impact is not confined to the football field as he has empowered the boys to set and achieve goals and in doing so has given them ongoing life skills.
The formal component part of the day saw Tom Johnson win the hotly contested best and fairest award after a stellar season where he was an integral part of the club backline. Tom is a no-nonsense player whose strength, hardness, discipline and commitment allowed him to play state football as well as being one of the best defende3rs in the whole competition.
Trafalgar youngster James Blaser was runner-up in the best and fairest with a barnstorming finish to the season. His pace, determination, skill and self-belief enabled him to become a key member of the midfield. He also collected the best first year player to further underline the potential that he has to go on and contribute to the team in 2007.
The most improved player award was won by Ben Hughes who made significant progress throughout the pre-season and quickly became a pivotal player in the forward line. His discipline, work ethic and team focus was outstanding and he was a true leader on and off the field.
The prestigious coaches award was won by Tristran Francis who also combined discipline, strength and hardness to become a key element of the Power midfield. He will be crucial member of the Power team for 2007. Brent Macaffer won the leading goal kicker award for the club and TAC Cup competition with 70 goals and a conversion rate of over 65% and an average of 4.5 per game. His dedication and work ethic were outstanding.
The most disciplined player award was won by bottom-ager Michael Todd. Toddy's hardness, self-discipline and willingness to sacrifice his own game for the team made him one of the best run-with player in the competition. The trainers award was won by Tyson Goldsack who took full advantage of the opportunity to play another season as an under 19 player.
The final player award was the Victorian Country MVP which was an award voted on by the players in the state team in the nationals. Lachlan Hansen overcame injury to be a key player for the Power as well as the state team.
Malcolm Neale's contribution off the field as a bus driver for the under 15's, 16's and 18's as well as on match days was recognised by receiving the Best Clubman award for 2006. Peter Francis thanked the top-age boys who were moving on and recognised the outstanding contributions that they had made to the program.
The boys moving on are Jack Bailey, Nigel Benn, Travis Bergmeier, Sam Combridge, Ricky Delphine, Robert Eddy, Tyson Goldsack, Lachlan Hansen, Ben Hughes, Tom Johnson, Ben Jostlear, Brent Macaffer, Kane Martin, Joel Morgan, Ben Ross, Jeff Ryan, Marc Truscio, Beau Vernon, Luke Webber and Jaymie Youle.
The focus now for the club is 2007 and beyond and lots of work has already been done to prepare the new-comers to step up and join the 15 or so boys are are to play on again next year.
Last Modified on 26/05/2008 12:29