Saturday night sees the 2013 Gillies Medal being presented at West Leagues club. As always, the award is judged by the TAFL umpires and is awared to the Best and Fariest player in the league. The TAFL Tipster takes a look at a few of the fancies.
The Nomads - The league leaders have several strong candidates for the prize and that in itself could be each individuals undoing. They have experienced a flood of new recruits this season, none more impressive than Jed Ellis-Cluff. He may suffer from a bit of anonymity in the early part of the season but everyone in the TAFL knew who he was once we were one round in. Riley Connor has had an oustanding year and could figure well in voting, with another newcomer in Haoni Morrell a darkhorse to get some votes. Coach Tom Granleese could also catch the eye of the umps with his dash out of defence but playing back there could struggle to poll consistently.
The Saints - The second placed Saints also have a few strong candidates for the gong. Hayden Chappel has been a revelation in the midfield and could expect to poll well being under the eye of the umpire. Another midfielder, Hamish Bird is sure to get some votes with his dash across the field and the ability to sneak a few goals, but youth may be against him. Mike Gould will certainly have a few games where he polls well, and can expect at least 2 polling games where he has kicked more than 10 goals this season. Captain Justin Pay could also be a big chance of polling well. He has had his best season in red, black and white and will get a few votes for his tenacity alone.
The Roos - The prennial acheivers on Gillies Medal night. They boast no less than 4 previous winners in their ranks this season, with proven poll getters who will again be right in the mix. Luke Robinson has received good votes from his coach all year and has finished the season off with a bang. If he's close with a few rounds to go he will be hard to shake. Matthew Hodge has enjoyed a stellar season on many fronts, including having one hand on the Griffiths Medal. With so many goals in the season, he will attract votes from the umps.
The Cats - Could be the surprises of this count. They have enjoyed their best season since 2007 and have a couple of smokies who have a chance of causing an upset on Saturday night. Brian Martin has had arguably his best season in the TAFL and will be a good chance of polling in their wins. Jackson Bower has been his consistent self though the midfield and could also find himself with a few votes as the night progresses. Clinton Blenman has finished the season off on fire, but missed games early in the season may come back to hurt him.
The Dogs - Andrew George may well be leading the count after 5 rounds before a knee injury bought an end to his season. Scott Hardy certainly took up the slack in his absense and may take a few votes, but a lack of wins in the latter part of the season could hurt the vote getting appeal of the Dogs. Look for Andrew Pratt to pick up a few through the night but it could be a big ask for a Dogs player to be in the finish.
The Swans - Sam Shelton has enjoyed a fantastic season and will be very close to the best Swans vote getter. If he can steal a few votes in their close losses he could be right in the finish. Paul Tapper is another who has enjoyed a good year, and together with Gavin Knee the veterans could get a few votes as the night progresses.
TAFL Tipster - One of the most open Gillies Medals in recent memory, any one of 10 players could be right in it. It's hard to look past the top 3 teams for a winner, but this tipster wonders how many votes will be taken by team mates. However, needing to pick a winner, I'll go with Ellis-Cluff, just in front of Robinson, Hodge and Pay.
Last Modified on 09/08/2013 11:28