By Nick Creely
The Pakenham Gazette’s AFL Outer East Coaches Award has drawn a lot of intrigue this season, with coaches having their say on the players of the season in the Premier Division.
With the resumption of play hopefully not too far away, we’re taking a look this week at each club’s best two players so far this season.
Could there be a twist in the run home for the Coaches Award?
BEACONSFIELD
Nick Battle (56 votes)
It’s been a truly golden season so far for the smooth moving midfielder, who was one of the biggest off-season recruits for any club after initially signing with Narre Warren for 2020.
Has kicked 10 goals from eight matches, racks up a stack of the footy and runs all day. It’ll be hard to see him toppled for the award from here, but who knows..
Brandon White (39)
The ex-Saint returned home after a number of years at AFL level for 11 matches, and while it did take time for him to find his feet, has been absolutely dominant with his piercing left-foot and strong marking.
At the local level, it’s looked at times as if he’s moving in slow motion, such is his class.
CRANBOURNE
Marc Holt (22)
It was almost the homecoming that we all expected – the commanding Marc Holt taking big contested marks and kicking monster hauls.
The legendary goal kicker leads the competition for majors with 30 from six matches, with two bags of six and a haul of seven.
He’s a huge problem for opposition clubs to shutdown as the Eagles search for premiership glory.
Jarryd Barker (22)
The Casey Demons VFL-listed midfielder is a seriously exciting prospect and has been unbelievably consistent around the clinches for the Eagles this season.
He’s put together some impressive games, and especially against the top sides in the competition, with the 20-year-old only going to get better.
DOVETON
Daniel Zajac (16)
In what has been a really tough season for the Doves, defender Daniel Zajac has stood tall to put together a commendable 2021 campaign.
Has missed a few games, but his recent form against Olinda Ferny Creek, Wandin and Narre Warren has been first-class as the young Doves look to stay competitive.
Jake Basa (13)
Another senior player who sets the tone for the Doves, Basa has also missed a few but has been noticed by coaches this season, such is his impact on the contest.
Games against Pakenham and Wandin were particularly impressive from the 2019 premiership star.
NARRE WARREN
Trent Cody (29)
The midfield star started the 2021 season on fire, and while he’s copped some attention and been curtailed somewhat, he’s still putting together a brilliant year.
Remarkably, the explosive playmaker leads Narre’s goal kicking from the midfield, which includes a freakish six goals against Doveton back on 1 May. One of the players of the season.
Tom Miller (28)
The speedster has been around a while, but hasn’t put together such a consistent campaign like this one.
He’s added so much to a list that lost some players, and runs and creates all day. Polls almost every single week, and after a blistering start to the season is right up there in the award race.
OLINDA FERNY CREEK
Matthew Scharenberg (22)
With very little fuss or fanfare, the former Magpie has slotted into his new footy home beautifully.
One of the league’s best field kicks, the ex-AFL defender has added an abundance of class to the Bloods’ lineup, who are bound for finals.
Kelsey Currie (21)
A beacon of consistency, the Olinda skipper is a serious player, and having a terrific 2021 campaign.
As the year has dragged on, the midfielder – who recently notched up 100 games for the club – has simply gone to a whole new level.
PAKENHAM
Josh Tynan (23)
Every single time Josh Tynan takes to the field for the Lions, he makes things happen.
In his four games so far this season, the ex-Demon has been simply sublime, kicking eight goals and showcasing all of his classy attributes.
He’s the kind of x-factor that makes the Lions such a dangerous side.
Zac Stewart (17)
Continues to be a constant presence for the Lions, backing up a superb 2019 grand final season with another consistent campaign.
At key moments in games this season – and back to 2019 – seems to relish and make an impact for his team.
UPWEY TECOMA
Bailey Oates (20)
What a season it’s been for midfielder and co-captain Oates, who bobs up each week in the Coaches Award in what has been a consistent 2021 campaign.
A stunning patch against top sides Narre Warren, Cranbourne and Beaconsfield over the course of three rounds was impressive.
Glenn Costas (10)
Another Tiger that keeps on keeping on in the midfield for the improving side, and has put together some impressive matches against Olinda, Wandin and Cranbourne that captured the attention.
WANDIN
Pat Bruzzese (16)
The youngster is a serious jet and continues to be one of Wandin’s, and the competition’s most exciting players.
Could be set for a third straight club best and fairest.
John Ladner (12)
It’s been a particularly strong second half of the season to date for Ladner, who is capturing the attention of the coaches.
Such a consistent and valued Dogs man, who continues to lead the charge each week.
WOORI YALLOCK
Liam O’Dea (21)
O’Dea has made a serious charge in recent weeks with several best afield performances for the Tigers.
Has kicked a goal a game and is a dynamic footballer.
Ryley Monkhorst (18)
A superb return season for the champion big man who has been among the best ruckman in the competition.
Come finals time, his experience, physical presence and class will come to the fore.
