Awards fly for Black Diamond stars
By James Matthey
The Black Diamond AFL Elliott Davey Medal Presentation Night was a special occasion for James Webster, who received the prestigious honour of being crowned the league’s best player.
The 21-year old enjoyed an outstanding year with Terrigal Avoca, and was awarded the esteemed Elliott Davey Medal ahead of close rivals Luke Rawnsley from Newcastle and Cardiff’s Isaac Heeney.
It was a remarkable effort from Heeney in particular to get so close, accumulating 14 votes despite playing only six matches, in four of which he was deemed best-on-ground.
Over 200 people attended the end-of-season function at Belmont 16 Footers Sailing Club to see Webster walk away with the top gong, while a host of other individuals also managed to have their achievements recognised for eye-catching performances.
Nelson Bay’s Aaron Clayden won the Granland Medal for the best-and-fairest player in the First Division competition, while Jeremy Ridgeway received the same honour for the Second Division as well as the goal-kicking award.
The goal-kicking award for the First Division went to Tim Law, whilst Nelson Bay took home the Club Championship trophy.
The Volunteer and Young Volunteer of the Year awards went to Newcastle’s John Janczuk and Laura Hedges respectively.
Josh Mifsud from Killarney Vale was acknowledged as the league’s best first-year player, claiming the BDAFL Rising Star award, while James Webster had another reason to celebrate, receiving the closely contested Most Outstanding Young Footballer of the Year award.
Courtney Knight from Newcastle City took out the Maurice Goolagong Trophy as the Black Diamond Cup’s leading goal-kicker, while the prizes weren’t just limited to the players, with coach of Terrigal Avoca and the BDAFL Representative side, Chris Bishop, anointed with the title of AFL NSW/ACT Coach of the Year.
