Hepper Medal caps Weapon's year

Nathan Ross

WHAT a year it was for New Norfolk footballer Nathan "Weapon" Ross who won every award available to him during the season and added another to his collection at the NNDFC best and fairest count and trophy presentation last month.

Ross easily won the Les Hepper Medal with 49 votes - a massive 30 votes clear of last year's winner Michael Thompson on 19. Ross had a stellar season winning the SFL best and fairest award - the William Leitch Medal - along with the Huon Valley News player of the year and a best-on-ground performance in the grand final over Claremont. During the little dynamo's very entertaining acceptance speech, Ross outlined that he will be again playing with the NNDFC next season, I'm sure this was music to everyone's ears!

In a much closer count, hard man Tristan "Boofa" Triffett took out the reserves best and fairest award - the Roydon Howard Medal - with 35 votes, which was 10 clear of Clint Curtain. After a really consistent season, Triffett thoughly deserved the award. Speaking on the Tyga FM sports show one recent Saturday morning, senior coach Jon Murray said: "Tristan has all the attributes to be a senior player for sure and if he can get a good pre-season under his belt, he would be pushing for senior selection in 2014."

In the Under 18s best and fairest, Ryan Wakefield took out the J. H. Dixon Medal in a close count on 31 votes, just seven ahead of Mark Thurston on 24. Wakefield, who won the Under 15s B&F award last year, got a taste of senior footy this season and earned high phrase from senior coach Jon Murray. "He slotted in very well during his senior games and didn't look out of place one bit, he is a very talented player," Murray said on radio.

The NNDFC had a magical season again winning both the Seniors and Reserves Premierships and with the Under 18s finishing third, the future looks very bright. Since joining the SFL in 2000 the seniors have played in eight grand finals, winning five. The reserves played in eight, also winning five, while the thirds played in five and won three. The fourths contested two grand finals but lost both. With Hobart entering the SFL next season the bar will have to be raised as I'm sure they will be very competitive.

Well done to all coaches and committee members on yet another great season, lets hope we retain all players and continue on with this golden area.

WADE GLEESON

Tristan Triffett and his twin boys
Riley,  left, and Baiden.

Top 10 Votes - Seniors - Les Hepper Medal: Nathan Ross 49 votes, Michael Thompson 19, Sam Hall 17, Josh Clifford 17, Ben Lovell 15, Kurt Styles 15, Shane Bonnitcha 15, Roger Belcher 14, Zeke Gardam 12, Luke Joseph 12.

Reserves - Roydon Howard Medal: Tristan Triffett 35 votes, Clint Curtain 25, Kris Cashion 22, Nathan Lester 18, Josh Kelly 15, Jake King 13, Kurt Styles 13, Mark Cashion 12, Joe Papera 11, Dean Wall 11.

Under 18s - J. H. Dixon Medal: Ryan Wakefield 31 votes, Mark Thurston 24, Bryce Kaye 20, Hayden Bielleman 19, Joshua Whitford-Marriott 18, Brayden Chaplin 17, Jacob Daley 16, Cody Neads 16, Jake Foster 16, Daniel Coppleman 15.

Senior trophy list - Les Hepper Medalist: Nathan Ross; Runner up B&F: Michael Thompson; Most Consistent: Roger Belcher; Most Improved: Ben Lovell; Coach's Award: Leigh Post; Betty Crosswell Rising Star: Aden Tonks; Best Clubman: Basil Murray/Barry Chaplin; Best Backman (Lyn Harris Award): Shane Bonnitcha; Leading Goalkicker:  Michael Thompson.

Reserves trophy list - Roydon Howard Medal: Tristan Triffett; Runner Up B&F: Clinton Curtain; Most Consistent: Kris Cashion; Most Improved: Josh Papera; Coach's Award: Nathan Lester; Best Backman: Joe Papera; Best Clubman: Josh Walsh; Leading Goalkicker: Kris Cashion.

Under 18s trophy list - J.H. Dixon Medal: Ryan Wakefield; Runner Up B&F: Mark Thurston; Most Consistent: Jacob Daley; Most Improved:  Dylan Pearce; Coach's Award: Jake Foster; Best Backman: Tyler Purdon; Taylor Lacey Memorial: Bryce Kaye; Leading Goalkicker: Jordan Banks-Smith.