BLECHYNDEN WINS 2023 WJ HUGHES MEDAL

It was a night to remember for all with Tom Blechynden taking home his 1st WJ Hughes medal. Blechynden had an outstanding season where he averaged 24.4 disposals per game! On top of representing WA this year, and making 'WAFL Team of the Year', Tom is a well-deserving recipient who polled 142 votes.

Growing up in the Brookton/Pingelly region, Tom is another Upper Great Southern product following in many club legend's footsteps. 2 of which include 5-time WJ Hughes Medallists, Haiden Schloite and Stephen Michael who are also from UGS. 

Glenn Byron came in second, behind Blech with 131 votes. After a season-ending injury in Round 14, Pearson placed third with 97 votes for the third year in a row.

A special mention to Jimmy Miller who clocked 75 votes, putting him in fourth place. Miller also announced he would not be returning to play for the Bulldogs next year, as he will be moving  over to Melbourne.  Jimmy's qualities have been an asset to our club, we thank him for his leadership and hope to see him in the future.

Brandon Donaldson took out 5th place with 66 votes after a high goal-scoring season. Skipper Dylan Main, had 65 votes putting him in sixth place. In a tied seventh place, was familiar face Jake Florenca and young gun Caleb Stephens who received 62 votes. 1 vote below them was Zac Strom. In ninth place, was brother Noah with 56 votes. WA State Player Toby McQuilkin scraped in with 55 votes putting him in tenth place. 

Glenn Byron and Tom Blechynden with their partners

Other Awards included Brandon Donaldson who won the John Gerovich Trophy as the Leading Goalkicker. The Culver Family Award for Courage and Perseverance went to Ethan Donaghy after a pre-season injury that ruled him out for the year. Jarrod Salmeri won Best Clubman. He was commended on his "behind-the-scenes effort" by his coaches. The Shearer Family Trophy for the best first-year player was awarded to Caleb Stephens after he had a year off on the back end of winning the Colts Best and Fairest in 2021. 

Reserves Coach, Arthur Maskos, also announced he will not be coaching next year. It was a sad moment for many, but an exciting new chapter for Arthur. His heartwarming words received a standing ovation. A well-respected Souths Man who we know won't become a stranger to this club. Thank you for your 18 years of passionate service, Arthur.

2 Milestone games in 2023 - both 100th games. Brandon Donaldson and Noah Strom were both recognized on the night for their incredible efforts and journeys along the way. Well done on your 2023 Seasons and 100th Games!

The Reserves count was a nail-biter with only a few votes separating the top positions. Riley Vidovich deservingly was awarded The Roy McGuiness Medal with 99 votes. Just behind in second place, Seth Connor and Jacob Sax shared 93 votes. In third place was Mitch Sinnott who had 79 votes. Sharing the fourth spot was Jaxon Bellchambers and Jaren Carr on 77 votes. Northern Territory star, Robbie Turnbull earned fifth spot with 69 votes. 2022 Reserves Best & Fairest, George Wessels polled 68 votes. Jermaine Pickett took seventh spot with 57 votes. And in eighth place was Toby Dodds (54 votes). 

Arthur Maskos and Riley Vidovich

A tough season for the Colts players but incredible talent coming through. Callum Copeland won the Dave Ingraham Memorial Medal & City of Freo Mayoral Trophy by more than 50 votes! Copeland raked in 116 votes- no surprise after making the 'Colts Team of the Year'. Jordan Douglas took home second place with 58 votes. In third place was Jacob Whan on 54 votes followed by Toby Whan (45), Tarkyn Etherington (37), Ed Graham (34), Ashton Ferreira + Ruben Hawksley + Josh Taylor - Thorpe (30), Zane Triscari (27), Liam Piper (24), Tyler Rowe (21). More awards for the Colts after a challenging season (See below). 

Callum Copeland

It was a wonderful wrap-up night to end the season. Congratulations to our 2023 WJ Hughes Medallist, Tom Blechynden. Well done to all award recipients. 

LEAGUE AWARDS WINNERS:

WJ HUGHES MEDAL (Fairest and Best): Tom Blechynden

N MacDonald Memorial Trophy (Runner-up): Glenn Byron

Past Player & Officials Trophy (Third Place): Chad Pearson

John Gerovich Trophy (Leading Goalkicker): Brandon Donaldson

Shearer Family Trophy (Best First-Year Player): Caleb Stephens

Culver Family Award (Courage and Perseverance): Ethan Donaghy

Warren Medal (Best Clubman): Jarrod Salmeri

RESERVES AWARDS WINNERS:

Roy McGuinness Medal (Fairest and Best): Riley Vidovich

Centurion Club Award (Runner-up): Seth Connor & Jacob Sax

Harold Harper Award (Third Place): Mitch Sinnott

COLTS AWARDS WINNERS:

Dave Ingraham Memorial Medal & City of Fremantle Mayoral Trophy (Fairest and Best): Callum Copeland

L & F Mihaljevich Award (Runner-up): Jordan Douglas

Life Members Award (Third Place): Jacob Whan

Len Gilchrist Award (Leading Goalkicker): Riley Plunkett

PP&O's Encouragement Award: Josh Louthean

Best Clubman Award: Patrick Hodgson

Best First-Year Player: Tyler Rowe