BHP Billiton Medal Report

The BHP Billiton Medal for the Peel Thunder Colts Fairest and Best was held on Tuesday 3 September in the Platinum Room at the Peel Thunder Football Club. In front of a good crowd, 17 year old defender Ben Hancock was a run-away winner of the Medal on 133 votes, from Brad Walsh on 68 votes and Russell Shore on 59 votes.

The night rounded off a solid development year for the Peel Colts. After a slow start to the year, the colts won five out of their final 12 games, and showed some promising signs leading into 2014. With 63 players playing colts football in 2013, of which 38 made their debut, 19 players playing reserves football, and three players making their league debut from the colts side, the signs are certainly bright for the future of the Peel Thunder Football Club.

Hancock, who played the majority of the season across half back was a standout for the colt’s side in 2013. Averaging 19.5 possessions per game, and with a disposal efficiency of 73%, the Warnbro Swans junior showed he will be a player to watch over the coming years. For AIS-AFL Academy member Walsh, the second placing in the award was a fitting reward for a year that saw him represent Western Australia at the NAB under 18 national championships, and also make his league debut in round 21 against Swan Districts. Shore, from the Waroona club is a great story of persistence. After being overlooked by colt’s selectors as a 17 year old in 2012, he made a real impact this season through the midfield and was rewarded with reserve grade selection in the latter part of the season.

Award winners on the night were:

BHP Billiton Medallist- Ben Hancock

BodyAPeel Runner Up- Brad Walsh

Peel District 3^rd Fairest and Best- Russell Shore

KI Group Players Player- Jack Gomboc

WAFL Past Players and Officials Association Encouragement Award- Brad Bromley

Murray Daniels Leadership Award- Rhys Anzellino

A special thank you to the coaching staff- Head Coach Craig Callaghan, and assistants Paul Pannell, Craig Milward and Troy Vidovich, as well as all medical staff, volunteers, parents and sponsors for their support throughout the season.

John Deitz