Kiama’s Hamish Robertson has been named the winner of the inaugural Scott Phillips Medal, capping off a superb debut season at the club’s best and fairest awards night.
The announcement of the newly-named medal was kept as a surprise until the night – with Scott Phillips himself oblivious to the historic moment that was to occur.
Michael Williams had the honour of delivering the news in front of over one hundred Kiama Power players and supporters at the Kiama Leagues Club, in what became a landmark moment in the football club’s 24-year history with Phillips receiving a standing ovation.
Hamish Robertson, who was recruited to the club this season by Phillips, ended the count with 30 votes, just ahead of fellow recruit, Jack Eastwood, who finished in second place with 29 votes. Skipper Josh Simpson (26 votes), Charlie Wood (22 votes) and Lachlan Kirk (17 votes) rounded out the top five.
After being named in the AFL South Coast team of the year and winning the Scott Phillips Medal in his first season at Kiama, Robertson has cemented his status as one of the league’s elite players. The 24-year-old played in every game of the season, showcasing his elite football IQ and unwavering consistency.
Midseason arrival Jack Eastwood’s impressive form in the second half of the Premier Division campaign was highlighted by him voted as the Brendan Johnston Player’s Player award winner by his teammates.
Maddison Aitkin was awarded the Women’s Best & Fairest player of the year, dominating the count with 50 votes in a successful first season in Kiama which also included selection in the AFL South Coast representative team and voted the winner of the Sue Hilton Player’s Player award.
Elissa Rhodes’ strong return season saw her finish the count with 40 votes, while new recruits Maddie Edwards (25 votes) and Teneale Keene (25 votes) rounded out the podium finish.
Jayden Wilshire was recognised for his stellar season in Reserve Grade, winning both the Paul Doherty Memorial Best & Fairest Trophy and Tom Rawson Player’s Player awards.
Patrick Haig was deservedly recognised by his peers for his outstanding service to the club and community, as he was named the Darren Williams Clubperson of the Year winner.
Best & Fairest Voting System
Judges vote individually each round via a 3, 2, 1 voting system. The votes are applied to the three players they deem to have performed best in that game.
3 – Standout best on ground
2 – Second-best on ground
1 – Third-best on ground
Three judges per grade vote each week, with a player able to receive a maximum of 9 votes in any one game.
Other award winners
Rising Stars – Emma Trudgett & Darcy Hopson
Men’s First Grade Most Consistent – Josh Simpson
Men’s First Grade Coach’s Award – Thomas Bell
Men’s First Grade Leading Goalkicker – Thomas Bell
Women’s First Grade Most Consistent – Jade Quigley
Women’s First Grade Coach’s Award – Madison Mitchell
Women’s First Grade Leading Goalkicker – Shellee Gibson
Men’s Reserve Grade Most Consistent – Harvey Johnson
Men’s Reserve Grade Coach’s Award – Joel Cooney
Men’s Reserve Grade Leading Goalkicker – Jayden Andrews