Fraser Wins 2016 FD Book Medal

Mitchell Fraser is the 2016 FD Book Medallist. In the closest count for many years Fraser took out the coveted award by 1 vote ahead of retiring big man Paul Johnson. Irishman Paddy Brophy built on his Best First Year Player Award from last year to finish third, whilst young gun Tom Cole finished fourth.

A Busselton product who graduated through our development ranks, Mitch has been a model of consistency for the Royals since breaking into the League team in 2013. It is great reward for the 22-year-old who has relished the leadership role that was thrust upon him this year. An assuming back man Fras has quickly become an integral part of the East Perth line up. 

Retiring ruck man Paul Johnson finished his career at East Perth with a flourish storming to second in the count. In his acceptance speech Paul made mention of the number of players and off field staff who have made his time at East Perth the most enjoyable of his long football career.

The club took the opportunity to acknowledge the services of Craig Wulff. CEO Dean Turner paid tribute to East Perth’s favourite son saying that he epitomises all facets of what it means to be a Royal. Craig was presented with his 2016 playing jumper. Wulffy then gave a speech that will not be forgotten for a long time. He made mention of his coaches and teammates who played under or with over his time at East Perth and how much they taught him as a player and person. Craig spoke of the current playing group, saying how he looks forward to seeing the success he is sure they will achieve. Craig also acknowledged his family, telling everyone in the room that they were big contributors in him getting to 286 games. Wulffy finished by handing on his famous number 13 to up and comer Jobe MacShane. Wulff simply said Jobe is East Perth through and through and asked the supporters to give him the same support they afforded him throughout his career

The 2016 FD Book Medal night saw the first presentation of the ‘Jeremy Silcock Trademark Award’. Each week each player from the Reserves and League vote for the player who best demonstrates the team values that game. Mandy Anderson gave a rousing speech about her brother Jeremy and how much the football club and this award means to the Silcock Family. Patrick McGinnity and Tom Hodgson were the inaugural winners. The Club also presented the Jeremy Silcock Shield which will now be retired and displayed in the East Perth Clubrooms and will forever show East Perth beating West Perth 11-9 over the past 20 seasons.

President Bronte Howson reflected on the year that was and paid tribute to the Clubs four retirees Craig Wulff, Brendan Lee, Garry Moss and Paul Johnson. It was great to have past FD Book Medal winners George Gianakkis, Peter Miller and Frank Agostino in the room to help us celebrate the 2016 season.

Thank you to our MC Simon Beaumont who did a fantastic job hosting the night. David Christison also did a stellar job reading the League vote count. Thank you to John and his team at Teramo Caterers for the wonderful food and to Ray and his team behind the bar. Congratulations to all the presenters and award winners and to Brian Moss from McRandompics for capturing photos of the night. It was an outstanding evening thoroughly enjoyed by everyone who attended.

AWARD WINNERS

League Awards

FD Book Medal - Mitchell Fraser 35 Votes

League Runner-Up – Paul Johnson 34 Votes

Outstanding Play Award - Paddy Brophy 32 Votes

Outstanding Play Award – Thomas Cole 30 Votes

League Coaches Award - Shayne Hille

League Best First Year Player – Tom Gorter

Best Club Man – Julian Ameduri

League Leading Goal Kicker – Jonathan Giles 22 Goals

Jeremy Silcock Award – Patrick McGinnity & Thomas Hodgson

George Law Trainers Trophy - Paul Johnson

Reserves Awards

Eric Smith Medal - Tom Hodgson 51 Votes

Reserves Runner-Up – Thomas Omodei 39 Votes

Outstanding Play Award - Daniel Perkins 38 Votes

Outstanding Play Award – Will Young 36 Votes

Colts Awards

Hec Strempel Medal - Christian Ameduri 42 Votes

Outstanding Play Award – Alex Di Placido 38 Votes

Outstanding Play Award – Mitchell Dobson 37 Votes

Combined Past Players and Officials Encouragement Award - Connor De Campo

Colts Encouragement Award - Harley Stack

Colts Education Award – Nelson Waite

Best Club Man –Cassidy Thompson