COUCH WINS CASEY'S BEST AND FAIREST

[Demonland 66,511]

COUCH WINS CASEY'S BEST AND FAIREST by KC from Casey

Melbourne rookie Tom Couch performed many heroic feats for the Casey Scorpions during the 2012 season and he was well rewarded last Friday night when he became the convincing winner of this year’s Gardner-Clark Medal for the club’s best and fairest player ahead of youngster Luke Tynan and Demon-listed tall Jack Fitzpatrick.

Couch, a hard working on baller is the son of 1989 Brownlow Medallist, Paul Couch, and had an outstanding season for the Scorpions. Despite missing games through AFL appearances and one due to injury, Couch was also a close runner up in last month’s JJ Liston Medal to Werribee’s Ben Ross. His tough approach to the game both physically and mentally and his team oriented play was instrumental in many of his team’s triumphs during the season.

One of the highlights of Couch’s year came ironically in a game where he was well covered by a Zebra tagger out at Trevor Barker Beach Road Oval and his possession rate was down on his normal standards. To make up for it he kicked a 50m goal from a free in the final 30 seconds to give the Scorpions the four points and ultimately, the top spot on the ladder and the minor premiership.

He made his AFL debut against Fremantle in Round 16 and has played three senior games and had a NAB Cup outing for the Demons.

Tynan, whose brother Josh was drafted by Melbourne this time last year, improved from reserves best and fairest to this year’s senior runner up and his efforts have raised some hope of joining him on an AFL list.

Jack Fitzpatrick has overcome injury and his third place finish and exploits as the club’s leading goal kicker while often also playing long stretches in the ruck was an outstanding effort.

The Steve Harrison Rising Star Award was taken out by high flyer Tim Smith while rising ruckman Luke Hill won the most improved award. The Seniors Respect Earner Award went to Demon-listed defender Troy Davis. The senior coaches and captains awards went to Chris Clay.

The Development League Best and Fairest award named after club legend Edward "Snowy" Fenton was shared by Gus Patti and Jordan Pollard, the latter of  who also won the competition’s award.

Casey's popular coach Brett Lovett who worked wonders with his young list has resigned to concentrate on work and family. At this stage, his replacement for 2013  is yet to be announced.

2012 CASEY SCORPIONS PRESENTATION NIGHT AWARDS

Seniors Best and Fairest Winner - Seniors Thomas Couch  

Seniors Runner Up Best & Fairest – Seniors Luke Tynan

Seniors 3rd Place Best & Fairest – Seniors Jack Fitzpatrick

Seniors Coaches Award – Chris Clay

Seniors Captains Award - Chris Clay

Seniors Most Improved Award – Luke Hill

Seniors Respect Earner Award - Troy Davis  

Seniors Goal Kicking Award - Jack Fitzpatrick

Seniors Steven Harrison Rising Star Award - Tim Smith  

Club person award 2012 - Chris James

Development League Edward "Snowy" Fenton Best & Fairest – Gus Patti and Jordan Pollard

Development League Coaches Award – Nick Lang

Development League Most Improved Award – David DeAraugo

Development League Respect Earner Award - Aiden Lindsay