Rising Star – Guy Dickson
Guy had a challenging year this year and came through with flying colours. Battling the commitments and the strain on his body of Oakleigh Chargers, Vic Metro, Carey and Greythorn was compounded with the breaking of his wrist and dislocating his thumb during the year.
Many a man would have given in but not Guy. Guy played many games this season sore (particularly at the start of the year) but did so to help the team as we were short of players through injury, however even not fully fit Guy dominated most games.
When uninhibited, watching Guy was like watching an F111 fighter plane in full flight. Simply exhilarating! Playing mostly as a key forward (sometimes at CHB when we needed a rock to stop the opposition), Guy would launch himself from deep in the forward line or run back with the flight of the ball crunching packs and coming up with the ball. His contested marking and physical presence in packs was simply amazing and lifted the whole team.
There was no doubt when Guy was up and about having a crack we were a different team.
Of all the young men I have seen over the last 20 years, Guy has the ability to go all the way. He is fast, physically strong, brave, works hard and is exceptionally good overhead. However as he found out this year, when you move into AFL development squads there are many talented players and it comes down to who works the hardest to constantly improve to get ahead of the field.
I have no doubt that he has the make-up, ability and self-belief to push through and do the work (he has the ability) as he did this year playing with a dislocated thumb in 2 finals and being an outstanding contributor in both games. I will watch with interest (as I am sure many will) of his development over the next few years.
Congratulations on a great season where you made a huge impact under trying circumstances in only 8 games (equal 4th in the YJFL B&F only 5 votes off 1st place). Best of luck for the future.
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