2017 FD Book Medal Night

The 2017 FD Book Medal has finished in an exciting 3-way tie. Julian Ameduri, Nathan Blee and Fraser McInnes could not be separated on 29 votes at the end of one of the closest counts in memory. The club was fortunate enough to have Alan and Laurie Book, two of Fred Book’s sons on stage to present the medals. There was also a tie for the minor places with Co-Captain Patrick McGinnity and Will Maginness finishing on 27 votes.

It was deserved reward for our 3 winners who have all had different paths and seasons on their way to join the Legends of East Perth who are FD Book Medallists.

Nathan Blee was our most consistent and reliable player throughout 2017. Playing every position on the field his versatility and willingness to put team needs above his own game did not go unnoticed by the coaching staff and teammates. A product of the East Perth zone from Ballaura JFC, Nathan burst into the League team in 2011 quickly becoming one of the leading back man in the WAFL competition. At the end of that season he was drafted by Port Adelaide sending 2 years on the list finishing with 6 AFL games. On his return to Perth, Nathan said he was only ever going to come back to East Perth. By his own admission 2016 was a disappointing year for Blee, however in a true sign of his character Nathan bounced back and had his best season with the Royals to date.

Quality big men are hard to find at State league level. Through our partnership with the West Coast Eagles, Fraser McInnes has played with East Perth since 2014. Known as the ‘Work Horse’ for his work ethic, Fraser was regularly used at both ends of the ground as well as through the ruck. Most noticeably off field it is clear to see Fraser has embraced the club and its culture and was a popular winner.

Perhaps the story of the Royals 2017 season is the rise of Julian Ameduri. Coming to East Perth from Noranda JFC, Ameduri debuted for the Colts in 2011. Julian made his league debut in 2014 and managed 17 games before this season. Playing the first three games in the Reserves, Julian forced his way into the League team and quickly cemented his spot in the side through his attack and pressure on the contest. Typifying this was his 17 tackles in Round 10. Winning an FD Book after 34 league games is a tremendous achievement.

Tied for the Outstanding Play Award was Patrick McGinnity and Will Maginness. Pat unfortunately had an injury interrupted year and played through pain at the back end of the year in the mould of East Perth Legend Craig Wulff. Maginness showed the East Perth faithful what he is capable of this season and everyone is excited to see what Will can achieve next year.

One of the highlights of last night was again the 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, winning the award for a second year, was joined this year by Jordan Browne. This is a reflection on Pat’s commitment to the club and his teammates. First year player Browne spoke of how much he has enjoyed playing at East Perth this year and thanked the Club and the players for embracing him. Jordan also commented on how much he enjoys being a part of the culture and environment at the club and how excited he is to start pre-season.

Thank you to our MC Simon Beaumont who did a fantastic job hosting the night. 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 the over 200 people who attended.

Full list of winners below

League Awards

League Coaches Award

Callum Hart

League Best First Year Player

Scott Jones

Best Club Man

Lewis Wilson

League Leading Goal Kicker

Tom Lamb 21 Goals

'George Law' Trainers Award

Lewis Wilson

Jeremy Silcock Award

Patrick McGinnity

Jordan Browne

Outstanding Play Award

Patrick McGinnity

William Maginness

FD Book Medallists

Julian Ameduri

Nathan Blee

Fraser McInnes

Reserves Awards

Outstanding Play Award

Nelson Waite

Daniel Russo

Outstanding Play Award

Mark Longbottom

Reserves Runner-Up

Taylor North

Eric Smith Medallist

Nathan Eaton

Colts Awards

Encouragement Award

Brennan Phillips

Colts Education Award

Kane La Fountaine-Roberts

Christian Ameduri

Damon Greaves

Best Club Man

Erick Bashimule

Outstanding Play Award

Mitchell Gupanis

Damon Greaves

Christian Ameduri

Harley Stack

Colts Runner-Up

Kane La Fontaine - Roberts

Hec Strempel Medal

Matthew Young