SANDRINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

07/10/2024

Tom Campbell dazzles to win the 2024 Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest and eight new inductees join the Sandringham Football Club Hall of Fame.

Capping off an extraordinary year, Tom Campbell has claimed his second Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest with 65 votes. Ranking seventh in hit-outs across the Smithy’s VFL competition, with an average of 34.4 per game, Campbell was an unstoppable force in the ruck.

Over the season he averaged 18.8 disposals, 4.7 marks, and 3.9 tackles per game. Arguably his finest performance came against the Sydney Swans in round 15 where he amassed 24 hit-outs, 14 disposals, and three goals.

Young St Kilda-listed defender Angus McLennan finished Runner-Up following a remarkably consistent season with 49 votes. A defensive anchor, McLennan averaged 6.2 marks and 14.3 disposals across his 16 games, showcasing his class as he effectively turned intercepts into attacking opportunities. Additionally, he gathered seven+ matches of 15 or more disposals and 12+ matches of five or more marks throughout the season.

Rising star Max ‘Moose’ Heath achieved his best campaign to date, finishing third with 42 votes. Enjoying greater time in the ruck Heath averaged 20.8 hit-outs, 13.6 disposals and 3.6 tackles per game.

Operating in tandem with Campbell, Heath would swing forward and kick us 11 goals for the season.

Former Sandringham Dragon, Josh Docking, was awarded the Ray Patmore Trophy as the Best First Year Player. The crafty midfielder utilising his outside speed and agility as he featured in eight games for the Zebs.

Blake Watson was the recipient of several awards on the night, taking home the Greg Lyons Memorial Trophy for the Most Courageous Player and the Ed Hattam Memorial Trophy for the Most Determined Player. An inside bull who hungers for the contest, Watson is a fierce competitor who is highly valued by his fellow Zebs.

Matthew Allison, Lance Collard, and Ollie Lowe concluded the season in a three-way tie for the Leading Goal Kicker award, each kicking 15 goals.

Clinching the Zeal Player of the Year Award were Ollie Lowe and Blake Watson. This is a player-voted award for the player that demonstrates consistent effort, selflessness, teamwork, relentless attitude, confidence, and who celebrates and supports teammates throughout all four quarters.

The winners off-field were:

Extra Mile Award (donated by Sandringham Sports Physio) – Tom Laumets

Gary Gilchrist Award (President’s Award) – Dennis Galimberti

Eric Mackenzie Memorial Trophy (Best Club Person) – Steve Enticott

Top Ten

1. Tom Campbell - 65 votes

2. Angus McLennan - 49 votes

3. Max Heath - 42 votes

4. Tom Blamires, Hugo Garcia, and Oliver Lowe - 41 votes

7. Darby Hipwell - 40 votes

8. Liam O’Connell - 38 votes

9. Hugo Hall-Kahan and Blake Watson - 37 votes

The Sandringham Football Club Hall of Fame also welcomed eight new inductees on the night.

Andy Biddlecombe - Andy played 109 games for the Zebs from 2004-2009. He was a Premiership player in 2004, 2005 & 2006 and won the Best & Fairest in 2008.

Bruce Bowles - Bruce started with the Zebs as an U19s player in 1976. Since then, he has been Team Manager for 35 years, first as the U19 Team Manager in 1990 before progressing to the Reserves in 1992 and the Seniors in 1995. Bruce was also the VFL State Team Manager in 1998, 1991, 2001 & 2007. Among many of Bruce’s achievements are the 2019 VFL Alec Gillon Award, three-time Best Club Person and two-time Gary Gilchrist Award. Bruce is also a Sandringham FC Life Member.

Keith Burns - Keith kicked 142 goals across 53 games for the club in 1962-1964. He was Captain and Coach in 1963 & 1964. Among his many achievements are being awarded the J J Liston Trophy in 1962 and both the Best & Fairest and Leading Goal kicker in 1964. Keith is also a member of the Team of the Century.

Adam Coghlan - Adam played 114 games from 1996-1997 and 1999-2003. He kicked 32 goals for the club and won the Best & Fairest in 2000. He was a Premiership player in 1997 & 2000 and is a member of the Team of the Century.

Rod Crowe - Rod played 98 games from 2004-2009. He is a triple Premiership player, having played in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Premierships.

David Gallagher - David played from 2003-2011. He kicked 111 goals in 131 games for the club and was Captain in 2011. He is a three-time Premiership player, playing in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 Premierships. He was also awarded the Best & Fairest in 2004 & 2009.

Bruce Harper - Bruce played 152 games for Sandringham from 1947-1955. He kicked a total of 534 goals and was the club’s Leading Goal Kicker for six consecutive years - 1950, 1951, 1952, 1953, 1954 & 1955. He was also the VFA Leading Goal Kicker in 1950 & 1951 and is a member of the Team of the Century.

Barry Zeuschner - Barry played for the Zebs in 1962 and 1965-1973. He kicked a total of 215 goals in his 118 games and was the 1967 Leading Goal Kicker. He captained the side in 1969 and is a member of the Team of the Century.

Photography by Sean Paulic

Written by Digby Verlander Sandringham Football Club Media