General News
12 September, 2024
Laird of our times: Justin's night of honours
LODDON Valley best-and-fairest winner by the length of the straight, and now captain of the Loddon Valley Team of the Year, Justin Laird has had a season for the ages. The Bears Lagoon Serpentine star’s latest accolade came on Monday night, when...
LODDON Valley best-and-fairest winner by the length of the straight, and now captain of the Loddon Valley Team of the Year, Justin Laird has had a season for the ages.
The Bears Lagoon Serpentine star’s latest accolade came on Monday night, when he also was presented with the Frank Harding Medal after his runaway win by 10 votes in the league award.
Laird, the former Bears coach was chosen as ruck-rover in the team, with Mitiamo’s new coach Luke Lougoon named as vice-captain and picked on a half-back flank.
After eight years at Janiember Park, Laird said on Monday night he saw himself as a Bear forever.
Serp’s Josh Mellington, who kicked 93 goals in nine games before a season-ending injury, was named full-forward, with Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp, who finished with 138 goals, chosen in the forward pocket.
The four finalists dominated the team, with Pyramid Hill, Marong and Serp all with five players picked, and Bridgewater with four.
Along with Lougoon, Calivil’s Sam Maher and Newbridge’s Tyler McLeod, both named on the bench, were their team’s sole nominees. Inglewood and Maiden Gully were not represented in the side.
Marong’s Linton Jacobs was named as coach of the year.
THE TOP TEAM,
B: Tyler Myles (BL Serp) Matt Willcox (Marong) Joe Mayes (Bridgewater)
HB: Luke Lougoon (Mitiamo) Tom McGregor (Pyramid Hill) Jack Neylon (Bridgewater)
C: Bailey George (Pyramid Hill) Ben Knight (Pyramid Hill) Jack McCaig (Marong)
HF: Zach Alford (Pyramid Hill) Kain Robins (Marong) Ryley Taylor (Marong)
F: Farran Priest (BL Serp) Josh Mellington (BL Serp) Lachlan Sharp (Bridgewater)
Foll: Nathan Twigg (BL Serp) Justin Laird (BL Serp) Boden Alexander (Bridgewater)
Int: Damon Hemphill (Pyramid Hill) Sam Maher (Calivil) Tyler McLeod (Newbridge) Nathan Devanny (Marong)