MYRTLEFORD midfielder Jack Crisp has given his AFL draft hopes a major lift by winning the John Byrne trophy.
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Crisp, who will attend the AFL draft combine at Etihad Stadium next month, won the Murray Bushrangers best and fairest award on Saturday night, polling 31 votes in 12 games.
Crisp, who was also named in the TAC Cup Team of the Year, finished seven votes clear of Kyabram-based teammate Jake Reeves to claim the award named after the former North Melbourne player and Wangaratta Rovers champion.
Despite missing almost a third of the season, Crisp, 17, ranked second in disposals for the Bushrangers and first for tackles.
The Vic Country representative also ranked second for clearances and third for inside 50s in a season that drew high praise from Bushrangers coach Darren Ogier.
“Jack has had a super season and has developed into an outstanding player,” he said.
“His work rate and ball handling skills have been exceptional.
“Jack is super athletic, can play anywhere and his character and attitude are beyond reproach.”
Jamie Elliot, Sam Poole and young Albury star, Sam Milne, tied for third on 22 votes.
Milne, who played just nine games with the Bushrangers, largely due to representative commitments, also took out the coaches’ award.
Ogier was lavish in his praise for the Tiger premiership player.
“Sam Milne is perhaps the most professional young player I have come across,” Ogier said.
“He is an outstanding leader and does everything he possibly can to better himself and his team.
“Sam is a great stoppage player and he will be a fantastic player to have in your team and play alongside for many years to come.”
In other awards, Benalla’s Lachlan Smith won the club’s most improved award, as well as the leading goalkicker trophy.
Smith, along with Elliot and Patrick Wearden, will join Crisp at next month’s AFL combine.
