DEFENSIVE DUO MAKE TEAM OF THE YEAR

The 2023 'Team of the Year' was announced earlier this week, and it is no shock to us that these two South Fremantle stars made the team (Toby McQuilkin and Chad Pearson). Every week during the home and away season, a Team of the Week is announced, and those who feature the most have the greatest chance of being named in the WAFL's Ultimate 'Team of the Year'. 

Our powerhouse duo, McQuilkin and Pearson, each featured in the Team of the Week on six different occasions! Just missing out on a spot in the Team was Tom Blechynden, who was named in Team of the Week five times. All three featured in the 2023 State game earlier in the year and are no strangers to club and league accolades.

TOBY MCQUILKIN - BACK POCKET

Debuting in 2021, back pocket player, Toby McQuilkin has had another outstanding season. 2022 gave the ability for Toby to pull together a strong first full season and he did- also make the 'Team of the Year'. 2023 saw him stepping up again and delivering another huge season. Coach Todd Curley gave Toby countless defensive jobs which saw him up against varying experience and sizes of forwards but he still stood up well. Averaging 19.7 possesions and 4.6 marks a game proved his attacking side was not lacking either! Congratulations Toby on your back to back 'Team of the Year' success. 

Times named in 2023: 6
Previous Teams of the Year: 1 (2022)

CHAD PEARSON - EMERGENCY

Suffering a knee injury that ruled out Pearson after Round 14, but still featuring in this squad, is a big achievement- Well done Chad. Before the injury, 2023 might have been his best season yet in his 113-game career. 2023 saw Pearson taking on bigger key defensive roles.His ability setting up play out of the back line saw him making 'Team of the Year'. This is the third time Pearson has made this team! 

Times named in 2023: 6
Previous Teams of the Year: 2 (2019, 2020)

Congratulations on two great seasons boys! Featuring in this squad is well deserved.