SANDRINGHAM FOOTBALL CLUB

31/08/2022

The Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest is set to take place this Friday night. Here’s a preview of both the Best & Fairest Award and the Best First Year Player Award.

Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest - Cliff Donnell Trophy

Favourite: Tom Campbell

It was a strong season for the St Kilda-listed ruckman who consistently won his battles with whatever ruckman came his way.

Despite playing 12 games he still had a massive impact in all of them, averaging 21.2 disposals, 7.9 clearances, 3.8 marks, 37.1 hitouts and kicking nine goals in those games.

Campbell was rewarded for his efforts with a spot in the VFL Team of the Year squad and will come in as strong favourite to take home the Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest - Cliff Donnell Trophy this Friday night.

Runner-Up Favourite: Leo Connolly

Despite sometimes flying under the radar down back, it was also a very consistent season for young St Kilda-listed defender Leo Connolly.

Playing in all but one game this season for us, he averaged 19.8 disposals, 13.6 kicks, 4.4 marks and was always a strong presence down back in every game he played.

Connolly has a very bright future ahead of him and due to his consistency he could be a chance to take some votes away from Campbell.

Potential Smokey’s

Goy Lok

Following a strong season in 2021, which saw him take out the 2021 Neil Bencraft Best and Fairest award, it was another consistent year for Lok.

Much like Connolly, he played in all but one game this year, working hard across the ground and averaging 13.5 disposals, 4.1 marks, 2.5 tackles as well as kicking 10 goals in those matches.

Lok was invaluable as one of many leaders and with his consistent performances he could be set for another potentially big night.

Anthony Seaton

Stepping up as Captain of a young side this year, 22-year-old Seaton took it in his stride and continued to develop his game this season.

Seaton was one of only two to play all 18 games this season, and down back he provided leadership and a strong voice, averaging 11.2 disposals, 7.4 kicks and 3.7 marks as a small defender.

With another consistent season under his belt, he continued to grow his game at the VFL level even more and like Lok he could be set for a big night.

Ray Patmore Trophy - Best First Year Player

Darby Hipwell

Whilst Hipwell played some games with the Zebras in 2021, the ex-Sandringham Dragons product is still eligible for this award, which is awarded to a player in their first year on a VFL list, and will be red hot favourite to take it out after a strong second VFL season.

Working hard up forward and and in the midfield, Hipwell made huge strides in his development this year, averaging 14.5 disposals, 2.7 tackles and kicking eight goals in 15 matches this season.

Blake Watson

Coming into the side this year from the northern suburb of Whittlesea, Watson slotted right in from the moment he made his debut in round 4 against the Gold Coast Suns.

Consistently providing a strong presence on the inside, he played every match following his debut and averaged 15.6 disposals, 4.5 tackles, four clearances per game as well as kicking eight goals in 15 games.

Ollie Lowe

Another ex-Sandringham Dragons player, Lowe grew into his own in the second half of the season.

Providing a handy lead-up target around the forward 50 arc, Lowe averaged 11 disposals, 7.5 kicks, 4.2 marks and kicked 20 goals in 11 games, with 12 of those goals coming in the last five rounds.

Here is a list of all the other awards being presented on the night:

Gary Gilchrist Award - President’s Award

Leading Goal Kicker Award

Ray Patmore Trophy - Best First Year Player

Greg Lyons Memorial Trophy - Most Courageous

Ed Hattam Memorial Trophy - Most Determined

Zeal Player of the Year

Extra Mile Award - Donated by Sandringham Sports Physio

Eric Mackenzie Memorial Trophy - Best Club Person

Coaches Award

Written by Joshua Ward - Sandringham Football Club Media