Guy Orton wins Jim Quinn medal
By Matt Malone, Daily Advertiser
GRIFFITH midfielder Guy Orton capped off a magnificent debut season with the Swans by being crowned the Jim Quinn Medallist at Narrandera Ex-Servicemen’s Club on Tuesday night.
Orton produced an amazing seven best-on-ground performances to be crowned Riverina Football League’s best and fairest player at its presentation ceremony.
Orton polled four three-vote games in the space of five weeks during the middle of the season to set up a medal-winning lead as he stormed to the front at the end of round 14.
He then polled three votes in the Swans’ five-point loss to Coolamon in round 17 to seal the win with 22 votes, in front of fast-finishing ruckmen Lachlan Hunter and Ben Edyvean.
Narrandera’s Hunter was surprisingly quiet during the first half of the year then finished the count strongly to finish second on 20.
Coolamon’s Edyvean was rewarded for his best season yet as he polled 18 votes to finish third.
Both ruckmen polled five votes over the final two rounds to jump into the placings.
Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong captain-coach Mitch Carroll rounded out the top four on 17 votes.
Orton’s victory was met with huge applause last night, particularly from the Swans table where he has proved a popular hit with players and supporters.
The 25-year-old moved to Griffith this year as the Swans’ new assistant coach and the move has paid an immediate dividend.
Orton made the move from Darwin club Waratahs to Griffith with fellow recruits Che Jenkins and Beau Runnalls and all three proved great pick-ups for the Swans.
Orton arrived with a decorated football resumé, having won a best and fairest with Mitiamo in its premiership year.
He was also captain of the Lodden Valley representative team.
Originally from Kyneton, Orton also spent time with VFL club Bendigo Bombers in 2006.
Orton represented Riverina Football League this year and was one of the team’s best in the win over Sydney under 23s.
He has already signalled his intention to stay with Griffith and is considered the club’s coach-in-waiting.
Swans teammate Mick Duncan led Orton early in the count and was one behind Leeton-Whitton’s Bryce O’Garey at the half-way mark before finishing eighth with 13 votes.