Mid West Medalists 2009

The 2009 Mid West Football League medal counts were held at Elliston Oval, with a good crowd in attendance especially considering the cool conditions. Mid West League has enjoyed an even competition in all grades throughout the year, and the premiership race is still well and truly alive. All clubs have players capable of winning the coveted medal, the highest League honor in Country Football, and the count this year went down to the last game, similar to 2008. The League Medals are voted on separately by the central umpires, each having an independent vote of 3, 2 ,1.

Congratulations go to the winners for 2009-:

Mail Medal Hayden Parker from Wirrulla FC with 46 votes. Hayden won the Mail medal in the Port Lincoln Football League last year returning to his home town this year. Hayden plays on the ball and in the centre, regularly dropping back in defence, but equally as damaging pushing the ball into attack. Representing Mid West in the May and Mortlock interleague games, the Eyre Peninsula in Port Pirie and also gained State Country Selection from the Country Carnival in Port Pirie. Hayden is the true mould of what a best and fairest player is meant to be, highly skilled, team motivated and fair in all aspects, he is a great team man and leader at all levels. Playing senior football with his brother Jarrod for the first time, combined they make a damaging centre line for the Bombers

Presidents Medal Scott Feltus from Western District with 41 votes as runner up to the Mail Medal. Lead the count until the last game, where Hayden polled six votes to Scott’s one. Scott also represented Mid West and Eyre Peninsula with distinction, and is a past State Country player. He is amazingly prolific, gaining possession after possession, and always at the bottom of packs where the hard balls are earned. Has won the Mail Medal three times, and this is his fourth Presidents Medal, seven times in the top two must be a feat that may never be equaled. Outstanding player for many years at the Tigers, and League

JV Day Medal The best under 21 in the competition this year is Dale Montgomerie from West Coast hawks. First year out of colts, although not his first at senior level. Dale represented Mid West in May and Mortlock, Captained the Mid West Kinlough Squad, Eyre Peninsula u17 representative in Adelaide, and also made the senior Eyre Peninsula squad. Possesses blistering pace and outstanding goal sense, spends time on the ball, and rests up forward. Extremely hard to match up on, and his high medal polling is creditable given that many Hawks team mates challenge for votes every week. Has an enormous future in football, wherever he chooses to play.

JH McKenna Award The leading goal kicker this year is also Dale Montgomerie with 51 goals for the Hawks. Only spends part time forward, many goals gathered whilst playing across the centerline. Similar to his father Ian, is able to convert from any angle, and handles physical pressure well. A great return from a wonderful season.

Montgomerie Medal The peak award the reserves competition was won by Tyson McDougall of Elliston. Tyson is probably not known locally for his training efforts, but this doesn’t show on field, where he picks up many possessions and is a driving force in Ellistons high ladder position. Strong and courageous, he is highly skilled and efficient.

Montgomerie Medal R/Up Won by Scott Williams from Wudinna United. The award is well deserved for a player who has been a standout for Wudinna United in the reserves this year. A young and hard running centerline player, capable of kicking long goals and carrying the ball across lines. Has an excellent future in football, and is a quiet achiever.

Lockwood Medal The Colts Best and Fairest won this year by Tasman Fitzgerald from Central Eyre FC. Tasman is a tall ruckman come key position player, and although just 15, played A Grade all season, Port Adelaide Cup, Eyre Peninsula Under 15, Kinlough Cup representative. Tasman has huge potential the advance to the higher levels of the game, already standing about 6’2’’ in the old scale and a long left foot kick. A team leader, he plays well beyond his years, kicking regular “bags” in the A Grade, including a best on ground 6 goal performance leading into the finals

Lockwood Medal R/Up Dillon Cabot from Wirrulla FC. Dillon has won this award for the second time and is a polished performer, great skills and knowledge of the game. Represented Mid West at Kinlough Cup, also played A Grade this year. Quick centerline player, has continued to enhance his reputation as an elite midfielder in the competition. Another with a huge sporting future.

All Mail Medal winners are invited to the SANFL Grand Final although it appears that the SANFL Grand Final cavalcade at half time wont be held this year.

Congratulations on the achievements of the worthy winners of the 2009 Mid West League medals

Andrew Buckham

Secretary