Hay Lions Best and Fairest 2022
Hay Lions held their annual presentation night celebrating the 2022 season on Friday night. In a well-attended night, the Lions were able to celebrate a number of players and also the numerous volunteers that ensure the successful running the club each season.
George Blondinau Memorial trophy for the Senior football Best and Fairest award went to Brad Pocock who despite missing a number of games came home with a wet sail to take the count in front of Dean Aylett. Brad (pictured right), played through the midfield and in key positions both at half back and half forward. He had an outstanding year with his hardness at the football, clean hands in the air and on the ground and his penetrative kicking being vital for the Lions throughout the season. Runner up Dean Aylett played in both the forward line and through the midfield with his pace and competitiveness important throughout the season. Third place winner Hugh Crighton missed the end of the season but was strong in the early stages leading the count up to the halfway point of the season.
Simon Bunyan won the Goal Kicking award, while senior captains Tim Zambon (Most Consistent) and Pat Jubb (Best Team Man) received recognition for their strong seasons. James Eddy who regularly managed the big opposition forwards won Most Outstanding Defender while Cooper Scott was rewarded for his tough efforts in an injury marred season receiving the Coach’s award. Reserves saw Bill Auldist a runaway winner in the Best and Fairest, again testament to his leadership of the reserves, while Rowan Houston finished runner up and Lane Griffiths was third.
The Under 17s saw Daniel Stewart complete a dominant season winning Under 17 Hay Lions Best and Fairest, following his earlier win in the League Best and Fairest. Jensen Hargreaves was runner up to Daniel, and also took home the Goal Kicking Award. Kenny Hargreaves was named Most Consistent for his defensive work and Archie Houston received the Coaches award. Under 14s saw Nate Clarke cap off a fine season with the Best and Fairest award, with Dan Jamieson finishing runner up. Archie Houston took out the Goal Kicking award, while Josh Gardiner was named Most Consistent and Max Hutchings received the Coach’s award.
Ian Auldist Memorial Award for the Junior Volunteer of the Year went to Katie Howard for her tireless efforts within netball. Katie coached the F Troop girls, was a regular umpire, and scorer as required all while playing both Under 17s and A Grade netball.
Ray Baird Memorial Trophy for the Best Club Person went to the Hargreaves Family. The Hargreaves family over many seasons continue to fill many roles across the clubs, providing leadership and a club first attitude. Jackie has run the canteen throughout the year and gets great support from Brett her husband in the canteen and her parents Rob and Marion Vance who contribute every home game. Brett coaches the under 17s and has helped lead them to a premiership this season while Kenny, Jensen and Hilton are important contributors to the club in volunteer or leadership roles on and off the field. Hay Lions President George Auldist made special mention of the contribution of the Hargreaves family and many other volunteers. These volunteers contribute significantly week in week out to ensure that the Hay Lions Football and Netball club continues to be a place within the community where people and families can come together socially and in a healthy sporting environment throughout the year.
Ellie Jamieson has added another Best and Fairest feather to her cap, taking out this year’s A grade Lions Best and Fairest vote count. Ellie , has played a lot of netball in her young life so far - she started out representing her school, her town, interleague and has won the Best and Fairest before. She has attended the Southern Sports academy in Sydney and was a junior member, and then a key adult member of the Mighty “Young guns “during their impressive 20 odd year reign in the town and is still playing night netball in a team with lots of young girls - who won indeed the last night competition. This year her Lions team mates consisted mainly of younger under 17’s player who she mentored and guided the whole season-teaching them to play with poise and structure - just like her own game. She has much to offer as a coach and a team mate. Ellie plays a number of positions and is excellent in all of them. She has amazing hand eye co-ordination and balance which allows her to get great body position and beat her player. She is strong and fast and this year has displayed all of these skills to take out the A grade Best and Fairest Award.
Ruby Cattanach has taken out the runners up Best and Fairest. Ruby is fast and is an excellent shot for goal. She plays to her full potential every game and has some great rewarding years of netball ahead of her.
B grades Best and Fairest is Lilly Tassel. Lilly also took on the coaching role of her team this year. She is a dedicated player and coach and puts 100% effort in to both roles. Lilly has played a few positions this year but she stars in a shooting role. She has a lovely text book shooting style which is very successful. Lilly works hard off the ball and is a strategic player which is great to watch and learn from.
Runners up Best and Fairest for B grade was Dimity Comb. Dimity has taken her defensive game to another level this year and has been rewarded for it. She is quick and strong with a get it done attitude. She plays with great respect for the game, the umpires and her team and is very deserving of this award
