Mott family makes Southern Football League history with back-to-back father/son Mail Medals
The Mott name is now synonymous with the Southern Football League Mail Medal as Nick joined father Jerry in the rare feat of becoming a back-to-back medallist.
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History was made at the Southern Football League Mail Medal count on Monday night when Noarlunga star Nick Mott joined his father Jerry as the league’s only father/son back-to-back medallists.
Nick, 26, polled strongly from midway through the count to finish with 25 votes to beat Christies Beach’s Mathew Hodge (18) and Nicholas Frisby-Smith from Happy Valley (16).
It backed up last year’s Mail Medal triumph and matched Jerry’s back-to-back awards in 1989/90.
Nick will now look to add a premiership to his accolades this Saturday when he and the Shoes aim to complete an undefeated season in the grand final against Flagstaff Hill.
The former Crows SANFL development player said he was thrilled to be a part of history with his dad but added he was surprised to win.
“I didn’t think I had that good a year and probably played better last year,” Nick said.
“It was really unexpected but I am really pleased to have contributed to the team’s success.
“But Saturday is what we are all after.
“Last year (in the finals) was disappointing and from there we just wanted to put the foot down and all come together. We are focused on that.”
In another thrill for the Mott family brother Tom, a best and fairest with the Shoes, was awarded SFL player life membership on the night for passing the benchmark 10 years or 150 games service.
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Jerry Mott, also a member of the SFL Hall of Fame, said he was thrilled for both his sons.
“I can’t say how unbelievably proud I am of both my boys,’’ Jerry said.
“I disagree with Nick – I thought he had a better year this year and played a different role.
“I am over the moon for both my boys. To share a part of this history is wonderful. They are both young and have years ahead.’’
Tom was thrilled for his brother and to be part of a strong club.
“He has done a great job. I just love it here, it’s great to play with the players we have but Saturday is what we are all chasing,” Tom said.
To add to the Noarlunga show, club stalwart Ryan Hocking held on to share the B grade medal with teammate Luke Ross, who scored three votes in the last round of the season.
Hocking had finished runner-up in the reserves award for the past three years before breaking through.
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In the senior women’s count, Aldinga dynamo Sophia Flanagan-Sjoberg was a runaway winner of the Stephanie Dempsey Medal with 33 votes from teammate Cassandra Yerasimou with 16 votes.
Deb Osmond from Flagstaff Hill won the senior volunteer of the year, while Grant McAvaney (administrator), Darcy Cheney (umpire), Matthew Wise (player, various), Mark Jensen (umpire) and Terry Gunn (player) were inducted into the SFL Hall of Fame.
