NOR-West Jets captain Owen Butcher fulfilled a long-held dream when he took out the club’s prestigious 2014 SHIPLEY MEDAL for the first time last night.
Butcher was emotional as he accepted the medal following a thrilling count at Panthers North Richmond, in which he polled 73 votes to edge out AFL Sydney’s Division 3 McFarlane Medallist David Clinch by just two votes.
It was a tight vote count all night long with the top three players all on 51 votes after round 14 before Butcher and Clinch went toe to toe in the last four rounds, with Warwick Smith holding onto third place with 52 votes.
The 2014 PAUL HIBBINS MEDAL for the Division 5 reserves best and fairest also went to a first time winner in Zane Priest, who polled 54 votes to finish five clear of Hawkesbury junior Liam Veigel, who enjoyed his first year back home in the Hawkesbury after playing under-18s at the Riff.
Alex Lorenzelli topped off a great first year of football to finish third on 37 votes.
Another emotional moment was the Nick Edwards Memorial Rookie of the Year award, named in honour of hugely talented club junior Nick Edwards, who passed away tragically last year.
The award was presented by Nick’s parents Steve and Liz to his younger brother Josh, who is shaping a star of the club for a long time into the future.
SHIPLEY MEDAL –1st Grade Best & Fairest: Owen Butcher
Runner Up: David Clinch
Most Consistent: Warwick Smith
PAUL HIBBINS MEDAL – 2ND Grade Best & Fairest: Zane Priest
Runner Up: Liam Veigel
Most Consistent: Alex Lorenzelli
Other winners on the night were:
TEAM AWARDS
Nick Edwards Memorial – Rookie of the Year: Josh Edwards
Div 3 Best Player in the Finals: Ryan Johnston & Zack Coombs
Div 3 Leading Goalkicker: Peter Kyle
Div 3 Most Improved: Matthew Schwager
Div 3 Coaches Award: Michael Gray
Div 3 Players’ Player: David Clinch & Louis Butler
Div 5 Best Player in the Finals: Zane Priest
Div 5 Leading Goalkicker: Scott Braid
Div 5 Most Improved: Musa Bakari
Div 5 Coaches Award: Owen Hickman & Blake Heggie
Div 5 Players’ Player: Zack Coombs
CLUB AWARDS
President’s Award: Geana Smith
Clubman Award: Daniel Harding
Life Members’ Clubman Award: Peter Martinoli
Golden Fist: Matthew Brophy
S.F.O.T.Y.: Dale Wellington
150 Games: Stephen Chase
100 Games: Daniel Guthridge & Matthew Brophy
50 Games: David Clinch, Ethon Coombs, Seb Goldrick, James Moynihan & Harry Stever
Life Membership: Matthew Brophy, Jesse Pinder, Scott Braid, Graeme McCumiskey & Rod Bayne
Congratulations to all the winners and the new life members and a big thanks to Geana Smith, Chris Kyle, Leigh Sharpe, Nichole Kyle and Karen Leonard for making the night a great success.
Thank you to Andrew & Penny at Rocket Events for sponsoring the event and, of course, all our loyal sponsors – R.G. McGee’s Hotel, We Are Loans, Mr Taxman, Jubilee Stationery World, Bakers Delight Richmond Mall, Handier Andy & Secure Onsite Protection.
Last Modified on 05/10/2014 23:41
