Crighton is Magpies best
By Krista Schade
Relentless hooker Jock Crighton (pictured) was crowned Hay Magpies best and fairest at the club’s awards night held on Saturday.
After racking up the club’s highest tackle count for the season Crighton was humble when accepting his award.
“Footy and this club has helped me out in ways people don’t see,” he said.
More winners can be found on pages 14 and 15.
Coaching announcements and 2025 signings
President Kelly Gash took advantage of the evening to announce coaching appointments for season 2025.
The league tag and tackle sides will again be coached by local talent Jessie Carter, who led her team to the first ever Group 20 women’s tackle premiership last month.
Club favourite Zac O’Neill was instrumental in every game he played this year, showing strength and determination, and was announced as the reserve grade coach for next season
First grade will be led by Chris Stewart, who returned to the field for the Magpies for the first time in a few years, after winning Group 9 premierships with Wagga Kangaroos.
“Hay had an unlucky season,” he said on Saturday evening. “We put up with suspensions and injuries and it will be a big effort to turn it around.”
He then announced signings for the season, proving he and the Magpies committee have been busy in the background in past months.
After winning Ivanhoe Roosters best and fairest award, Shaun Aylett will return from the ProTen competition to commit to the Magpies first grade squad. Coaching Ivanhoe to the grand final Aylett was disappointed not to secure the premiership.
Local junior Ben Arandt will also return to Hay for season 2025. After playing Jersey Flegg for St George and playing a season in Group 6 for Mittagong Lions, Ben went abroad in 2024. After a season in France, he will return to his home ground to play for Hay, in a big signing for the Magpies.
Stewart also announced the return of arguably one of the Magpies best in the last decade. Harley Hey hung the boots up in 2022 due to life and work commitments, but has re-signed with the Magpies after a hiatus from rugby league.
Local junior Will Barnes will also return to the Magpies in 2025. After winning back-to-back premierships with Leeton Greens, Barnes spent 2024 in France alongside cousin Arandt. A past Group 20 Hooker of the Year this signing is a huge boost the Magpies season prospects.
“Let’s bring finals footy back to Hay for the first time in a long time,” Stewart said.
The club also paid homage to exiting coaches Ben Taylor and Toby Crighton (first grade) and James McLean (reserve grade) for their effort and commitment.
Journalist and Manager of The Grazier, Krista Schade attended the presentation night, here is the gallery of photos, awards listed in this week’s edition of The Grazier.
