THE who’s who of the Northern Football Netball League came together to enjoy the Rosbrook Gannon awards night last Wednesday.
There were plenty of emotional stories, personal triumphs and great celebrations on the night.
South Morang was one of the key beneficiaries of the night, with big man Nathan Stefanile celebrating his first best and fairest victory with a triumph in division 2.
In a lengthy and celebrated career, Stefanile was at his brilliant best for the Lions this season with his ruthless efficiency from centre bounce contests, often single-handedly turning games with his clearance work.
Stefanile’s dominance was such that he won by eight votes, polling 25 in total, with St Mary’s defender Dom Akuei and Whittlesea hard nut Bailey Robinson sharing second on 17 votes, and Fitzroy Stars’ Ethan Penrith third on 15 votes.
With a young South Morang unit growing around him, Stefanile said it was essential in order to cover the Lions’ contested ball work.
“It was a good year, which was nice to see,” he said.
“It’s part of my role, and part of growing the boys around me as well. We lacked a little bit of contested ball winners on the inside, so playing my part probably helped us win a few more games this year.
“Next year, I want to make sure my body stays consistently fit, it’s my most consistent year this year, so I’ll keep doing the work on the outside so I can stay on the track long enough. My biggest role now, being one of the older blokes and a bit of an assistant coach on the field is to grow the team. We didn’t get the chocolates this year, but I want to grow the team so that we are bigger and better to win a flag next year.”
Stefanile said in a tight division 2 competition, the quality of ruckmen stood out.
“Connor McDonald is one of them, he is an unorthodox sort of ruckman, he is an athlete and an extra on-baller for Old Paradians, he gets a heap of the ball and it’s hard to keep track of him on the ground,” he said.
“Seth Hill from Lower Plenty has a massive future, he is a big boy and can give me some troubles here and there.
“I could go through and name so many competitive ruckmen this year.”
In division 1, Heidelberg’s Sam Gilmore claimed an emotional victory, with the Tigers’ big man winning the Rosbrook Medal on the last vote of the night.
Giving a speech which left all in awe on the night, Gilmore’s courageous return to the football field after losing a child in April saw him claim the award with three-vote games in his last three matches.
Ivanhoe’s Riley Loton claimed the division 3 best and fairest, with the midfielder scooping the pool, also claiming the coaches MVP for the division.
In an exceptionally close count, Loton polled 18 votes to win by four from three players, with Laurimar duo Patrick Fitzgerald and Luke Wilson, as well as Mernda playing-coach Brent Marshall, all second on 14 votes. Laurimar’s Jesse Donaldson and Mernda big man Billy Morrison finished equal third on 13 votes.
The women’s awards were also well-contested.
In division 1, Montmorency’s Kira Lemire took out the count, winning by four votes.
Division 2’s vote count was dramatic, with West Preston’s Isabel Young pinching the count on the last vote of the night, winning by one vote over long-time leader, Kilmore’s Chiara Nardo.
Epping’s Nancy Cakau was the winner of the division 3 best and fairest, scoring a two-vote victory over Diamond Creek Women’s player Bentley Butler. Laurimar’s Sarah Campbell enjoyed a terrific individual season, polling third with 17 votes.
In the premier netball competitions, North Heidelberg’s Bel Colwell won the Stacey Gannon Medal, dominating the voting, while the Bulldogs’ Nikki Clover took the division 2 count. In division 3, South Morang’s Elly Castles won by a vote.
