2024 Neil Bencraft Best and Fairest Preview

01/10/2024

Celebrating our 95^th anniversary, the 2024 season was packed with countless highlights and memorable moments. Heading into our Neil Bencraft Best and Fairest this Saturday night, we’ve taken a look at some of the key players in contention for the award.

We will also be inducting eight worthy individuals into our Sandringham Football Club Hall of Fame on the night.

Max Heath

AFL-listed Max ‘Moose’ Heath followed up his stellar 2023 season by delivering another scintillating campaign for the Zebs. Combining with veteran Tom Campbell, Heath relished the opportunity to spend greater time in the ruck, showcasing his skill by effectively winning hit-outs to advantage. His best game for the season arguably came during our heart-stopping one-point win over Frankston in round 10, collecting 59 hit-outs, 17 disposals, and 8 clearances.

Heath improved in nearly every statistical category in 2024, averaging 20.8 hit-outs, 13.6 disposals, and 3.6 tackles per game. His consistent knack for closing out games made him a genuine fan favourite, demonstrating his versatility by drifting forward and kicking 11 goals for the season.

Still only 21 years old, Heath has already shown the potential to stand up in clutch moments and deliver when it counts most. Breaking into the top five of last year's Best and Fairest, we doubt anyone would be taken aback if he could go a few better.

Oliver Lowe

Oliver Lowe is the kind of player everyone wants on their side, a selfless teammate who continually puts the team’s success ahead of his own. Splitting his time between the centre and forward line, Lowe was a consistent contributor over his 16 games, averaging 13.8 disposals, 4.6 marks, and 9.3 kicks.

A damaging player both on the lead and overhead, his 188cm stature proved a headache for opposition coaches as he kicked 15 goals to finish equal leading goalkicker for the season. His best outing came in round 18 against Essendon, where he demonstrated his leadership in testing conditions to record three goals, six tackles, and 13 disposals.

Throughout season 2024, Lowe showcased his forward 50 strength, flare, and intensity. As the count begins Saturday night, expect Lowe to poll well following an outstanding season.

Tom Campbell

Stalwart, Tom Campbell compiled yet another colossal year in the ruck. Across the Smithy’s VFL competition, Campbell ranked seventh in hit-outs, amassing 481 with an average of 34.4 per game. One of our most influential players, if he’s not taking clutch defensive marks, he’s adeptly setting up small forwards by bringing the ball to ground. Across the season he averaged 18.8 disposals, 4.7 marks, and 3.9 tackles per game, as well bagging seven majors.

Campbell’s most dominant performance came in round five against the Northern Bullants, where he won 52 hit-outs, 45 more than the next best! A three-goal game against the Sydney Swans in round 15 also highlighted his elite skills.

Loved for not only his presence on-field, but off-field too, Campbell is every bit the role model of professionalism for younger Zebs. His vocal leadership surrounding tactics, plans, and positioning is a testament to his competitive spirit.

Our 2022 Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest winner, no one would be surprised to see Tom’s name feature regularly on Saturday night.

Darby Hipwell

Taking on the role of Co-Captain for 2024 alongside Anthony Seaton, Darby Hipwell wasted no time in regaining his 2023 Best and Fairest winning form. The talented midfield forward averaged 18.9 disposals per game, as his ability to work up and down the ground and execute the ball with proficiency made him an integral part of the lineup.

This was highlighted by his shining performance in our round two Easter Sunday clash with Essendon, leading the day with 27 disposals, seven clearances, and nine tackles.

Hipwell’s love for contested footy led him to average 4.7 tackles per game. The skipper turning his voice into action by boasting seven+ games of five or more tackles.

Playing 14 games this season, Hipwell will be an outsider to defend his crown. However, with strong performances throughout the back half of the season, he is every chance to be a dark horse and take home another Best & Fairest.

Hugo Hall-Kahan

Joining us from the Sydney Swans, Hugo Hall-Kahan proved to be an essential half-forward asset. He perfectly met our need for a dynamic player, continually delivering throughout his 17-game season with an average of 13.3 disposals.

Consistency is the defining feature of Hall-Kahan’s skillset, kicking a goal or better in 11 matches. Featuring prominently in our thrilling one-point win over the Southport Sharks in round 17, he accumulated 25 disposals, 13 kicks, and one goal.

Hall-Kahan’s versatile skillset made him a crucial asset to the team, further complemented by his high level of professionalism, which has consistently driven standards.

Fuelled by his outstanding 2024 campaign, many are predicting the former Sandringham Dragon to attain an elevated rank come Saturday night.

Angus McLennan

Medium defender Angus McLennan was a steadfast anchor in the backline. His decision-making, communication, and ability to read intercept opportunities advanced immeasurably, as the 21-year-old averaged 6.2 marks and 14.3 disposals per game.

Frequently leading the charge from the back, McLennan’s exceptional ability in the air led him to a season-high 12 marks in round 18, of which 10 were intercept possessions. Additionally, he gathered seven+ matches of 15 or more disposals and 12+ matches of five or more marks throughout the season.

Seemingly never flustered, McLennan displays a maturity and steadiness that has enabled him to become one of Sandy’s most reliable defenders. Coming up against numerous bigger-bodied players in one-on-one contests, McLennan effectively used his defensive craft to mark or spoil.

Appearing in 16 games for Sandy, he has risen to every challenge head-on. Hence, expect him to be challenging up forward for the Best and Fairest.

Further awards to be presented on the night include:

Leading Goal Kicker

Zeal Player of the Year

Ray Patmore Trophy - Best First Year Player

Greg Lyons Trophy - Most Courageous Award

Ed Hattam Trophy - Most Determined Award

Eric Mackenzie Trophy - Best Club Person Award

Gary Gilchrist Trophy - President’s Award

Extra Mile Award – donated by Sandringham Sports Physio

2024 Hall of Fame Inductees

Don’t miss your chance to join us on the night. Tickets are still available for purchase online. Booking close midnight on Wednesday.

Written by Digby Verlander - Sandringham Football Club Media