CFMG Capital - John Burkitt Medal Preview (Reserves B&F)
Andrew Thomson
The JB (John Burkill) Medal honours a long serving trainer for the Magpies during the 1970s through to the 1990s. There was nothing ‘JB’ would not do for the club and "his boys" and he was also a confidante and mentor for many players at the Magpies during his long service to the club.
JB was awarded Life Membership of the club in 1977.
The JB Medal for Best and Fairest is a wide open field, with veterans, youngsters and new faces all in the running after the Reserves enjoyed a fine season in 2018.
Peter Kilroy in his 19th season of senior football and 16th year at the Pies has turned back time to have an outstanding season either on a wing or half back flank, He was certainly the Magpies most consistent performer all year and only missed one match during the season so has plenty of opportunities to poll well. Kilroy has played about 300 matches in the Black and White in Senior, Reserves and Colts football.
Chris Hunt was also a model of consistency in defence and he was the defensive general for most of the year. Hunt has a Senior Runner Up B & F in 2014 under his belt and except for shift work preventing him training regularly, may have pushed harder for Senior selection this year.
Gerard Moore was another veteran who played a solid season and he was among the best in each game he played, whether up forward or in the ruck. He missed a few games due to work commitments but will be right up there in the voting to be a chance to add to his Nipperess Medal from last year when playing for the Woodsmen.
Val Pope spent the entire season in the Reserves and should poll well, but likely missed too many games mid-season due to work commitments.
Newcomer Nathan Congram was also a fine player and rucked his heart out in every match he played. He will also poll well but whether he had enough big voting games remains to be seen, despite being a model of consistency and effort. Youngsters in livewire Sam Parker and consistent performer Lachie Dennis will also be in the mix, though Dennis having played 9 senior games will likely fall short despite being superb in the midfield when playing Reserves footy.
Other consistent performers whop should feature include Brodie Easton and Zach Collison.
Who is your tip for the 2018 JB Medal?