THE decision proved too hard when choosing the Wodonga Jets’ most valuable player for season 2016.
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So every player on the all-abilities team shared the award, creating a highlight of Saturday’s presentation night at Wodonga Football Club attended by 203 people.
Coach Matty Deegan said the function completed a fantastic season for the Jets.
“Seven representative players, we’ve won two out of five carnivals and got runner-up in the other three,” he said.
“Our numbers grew from 15 to 22, it’s all positive.”
Deegan said increased awareness of the side had helped it expand.
“The word’s got out a bit more since we’ve come under the umbrella of Wodonga,” he said. “We’re getting more and more numbers and I think it’s only going to grow again next year.”
The team enjoyed competing at centres like Wodonga, Wangaratta, Echuca and Mooroopna.
“You see the mateship at every carnival,” Deegan said.
"They’re our great mates at Wang, we get on famously with them and love meeting up with them every carnival."
These Wangaratta friends shared one of the Jets’ biggest days, playing at the main break of the Ovens and Murray football decider in Lavington. It’s worth noting the two teams brought some free scoring on to the oval.
“We kicked six goals in 15 minutes, compared with the three goals up to half-time total in the Ovens and Murray grand final,” Deegan said.
“I think they got the biggest round of applause for the day, which was just great.”
The coach praised the development of players such as Zac Pearce and the leadership of Jets captain Jack Maher.
“If I’m late for training he’ll have them out running laps, doing exercises, and he leads by example on the field,” Deegan said.
“He leaves nothing in the tank, he gives 100 per cent every game.”
Border support service Community Accessability and staff member Pauline Carroll helped with transport arrangements while team manager Col Staggard gave many voluntary hours to the team.
Wodonga Jets 2016 player awards –
Most valuable: Josh Meredith, Zac Pearce, Chris Kerr, Elvis Presley, Brandyn Larkins, Harrison Larkins, David McMillian, Jarrod Redcliffe, Jack Stevens, Joel Baker, Connor Mather, Zac French, Glen Evans, Ethan Dolder, James Elkner, Coby Graeber, Wade Blake, Matt Renshaw, Warren Eals, Jack Maher (captain).
Best and fairest: Zac French. Most improved: Josh Meredith.
Most determined: Zac Pearce. Most consistent: Coby Graeber. Coaches award: Elvis Presley.
