Best & Fairest - Ben Silvagni

Ben  has had an exciting season and to be honored with Best & Fairest for 2011 is fantastic reward for his effort and attitude this year 

Ben’s games, particularly in the first half of the season were outstanding.  With six ‘Best on Ground’ performances from the first eight games, Ben dominated in the ruck and around the ground.  His overhead marking, dashing breaks out of the centre and long kicking entertained spectators and left opposition coaches speechless.  His ability to break tackles and kick goals under pressure was instrumental in the team’s success this year.
We weren’t the only ones to admire his work.  Ben also attracted the attention of the umpires accumulating 21 votes and finishing 4th in the league’s Best & Fairest count.

Ben became even more damaging in 2011 by bringing his team mates into the game and providing ‘silver service’ to the midfield when competing in the ruck. Opposition ruckman were powerless against his strong leaping and terrific tap work.

Above all, Ben has been a great competitor for his team and has shown terrific support to his team mates through his words of encouragement. 

Well done Ben Silvagni on being voted 2011 Best and Fairest, a reward well deserved.

Runner - Up Best and Fairest – Matthew Presutto

Mat’s stealth like movements across half back and through the centre  often left the opposition clueless.  Matty’s ability to read the ball out of the contest was second to none and frequently caused frustration for opposition coaches as they struggled to get control of the play.

Such a versatile footballer is Mathew he can play in almost any position on the ground and be dangerous.   By hand or foot his possessions were priceless as they often brought others into the game and sparked fast movement of the footy.

Matty accumulated possessions at a rapid rate but it was his precise kicking and sweeping runs that created so much opportunity for the side.  Umpires also noticed his onfield performances, which culminated in Mathew polling 21 votes in the leagues Best and Fairest count and finishing equal 4th.
A quiet young man, Mathew spoke through his actions on the field.  He showed tremendous leadership through his courage during a game and efforts at training.  It has been a pleasure to coach you Matty and well done on another fantastic season. 

You are indeed a worthy winner of the 2011 runner up Best and Fairest award.

3rd Best and Fairest – Elliot Taylor

Elliot took his game to another level this year with his hard, ‘in and under’ contested football proving to be an example to his team mates and the opposition.  His determination to win the footy and starve his competitors at stoppages was among the best going around this season.

Fitter and faster in 2011, Elliot was able to impact a higher number of contests, which resulted in him racking up clearance after clearance, often giving his team first use of the ball.

His versatility was a terrific asset to the team as he was often used to pinch-hit in the ruck and play a key defensive role across centre half back.  His strong marking, ability to read the play and dashing breaks of half back proved invaluable in pressure game situations.

Elliot’s tenacity also caught the eye of umpires in 2011 and he placed 7th in the YJFL Best and Fairest count, a massive 12 place improvement on his 2010 year.

Elliot, you have been a delight to coach and it has been enjoyable to watch the way you go about your footy this year.  Congratulation on being awarded the 2011 2nd runner up Best and Fairest award!

Most Improved – Will Woods

Will’s  football epitomizes everything the Most Improved award stands for. Will’s season was punctuated with moments of self-doubt and concern that he couldn’t complete with boys much bigger and stronger.  However as the weeks went by Will demonstrated great strength of character as he found ways to overcome his doubt.

If there’s are defining moments in each of our lives I reckon one came for Will in round 7 against Bundoora when he was bumped hard on the wing in front of the coaches box, he bounced back up dispossessed his opponent and went on to tackle another player in what was a series of outstanding efforts.

From that moment on Will discovered his strength and his ability to run fast and tackle hard has created havoc among his opponents ever since. In the ensuing weeks Will’s efforts continued to reach new heights and in round 10 against Park Orchards Will was voted one of the best on ground for his pressure football.

As we moved into finals Wills confidence continued grow and against the top side Ivanhoe Will was voted Best on Ground by the opposition captain and presented with a medal.  This was a fitting result for a little fella with a massive heart and huge potential.
Well done Will on being awarded Most Improved in season 2011!

Coaches Award – Jesse Kane

Jesse rejoined our group in round three after a year in Queensland and he was a welcomed addition to the team.  Jesse immediately had an impact on the field, strengthening our midfield and creating another headache for the opposition.

Each week Jesse won more and more of the ball as he grew in confidence and found his place in the side.
By the time July had come around Jesse’s footy had gone from good to great and in the last 6 home and away games Jesse featured in the best three players on the ground and was voted Best on Ground in four of these games.

Jesse continued his damaging form into the finals and was instrumental in the team’s success.  His willingness to put his head over the ball regardless of the size of the opposition is amazing and stands as a great example to all his team mates.
It should be no surprise that Jesse finished the year off so well.  His focus and effort at training was outstanding as he soaked up every bit of advice that came his way.

You’ve been a terrific member of the team Jesse and it has been hugely satisfying watching you develop throughout the year, well done on being recognized with the Coaches Award in 2011.