Coopers Update - Grogan Medal Count Sunday 11 September
Andrew Thomson
The QAFL Grogan Medal count and Awards Night will be held at the Gabba on Sunday evening.
Reigning Grogan Medalist and Western Magpies Co-Captain Callum Carseldine has had another fine season, with his consistent ball winning ability in the midfieldhaving him among the Magpies best players week in, week out.
His distinctive white head band means he is hard to miss and incumbency also gets a certain amount of recognition from umpires—he will be among the contenders at the business end of the count.
Luke Scott has had an outstanding season with plenty of intercept marks when in defence, a heap of midfield possessions to keep the umpires interest in him and the odd goal to add to the CV.
Another who might surprise is Jadan Morton who has been outstanding in ruck and around ground and his distinctive left foot often sets him apart. David Lewis has taken plenty of marks since moving to CHB, Val Pope will get a few votes as usual but missing 5 matches mid season will hurt his prospects and Ben Jaenke-Cain racks up the possessions in a no-nonsense manner and should also poll a few votes.
QAFL writer Andrew Wiles has Gareth Crawfordas a smoky, particularly on the back of his good early season form and purple patch in the middle of the year when the Pies were playing outstanding football.
QAFL writer Andrew Wiles had this to say about the Magpies prospects for the night:
Callum Carseldine: The reigning Grogan Medalist has been as good, if not better, in 2016. Went to work again in the middle and was the catalyst to a couple of Magpies wins. Kicked a few more goals this year, which will help his cause.
Luke Scott: One of the biggest game changers in the league. Whether it is forward, back or even on a wing, Scott goes to where the footy is. Named in the Magpies best 11 times this year, and should poll well in the first six rounds.
Smokey: Gareth Crawford
The Western Magpies hopes for theBill Clerke Medal for QAFL Reserves B & F rest with midfielders Chris Devlin and Blake McClennan who were prolific ball winners in most matches they played and will have picked up a few votes. With the Pies mixed year in the Reserves they may not poll enough to figure in the final running. Todd Billing also had a good year and will likely poll reasonably well.