Sunshine Coast rugby union referees reveal who and why received best and fairest votes

Sunshine Coast rugby union referees from four senior divisions have revealed who and why certain players received their best and fairest votes across the 2022 season. See the full list.

The dust has settled from the 2022 Sunshine Coast rugby union season with grand final champions from all junior and senior divisions claiming victory over their rivals.

It was the University Barbarians that came away with the chocolates in the Men’s A-grade grand final with a 14-6 win over the Maroochydore Swans and the men's reserve grade match between Wynnum Bugs and the Barbarians finished 27-19 in favour of Uni.

The Nambour Toads were able to be crowned champions with a 14-5 win over the Noosa Dolphins in the women's competition and a 22-14 win over Gympie Hammers in the men’s third division.

The Maroochydore Swans also capped their senior colts season off with a 28-0 win against a combined Noosa Dolphins and USC Barbarians team.

For the second year in a row the competition’s senior referees have voted on their top players and performers through the best and fairest award system.

Referees of the A-grade, Reserve Grade, Women’s and Colts competitions distributed votes to the top three players in each game for the duration of the 15-round regular season.

We caught up with senior referees Jordan Ryan (A-grade), Adam Jurisevic (Reserve Grade), Gavin Hawkins (Women’s) and Shaun McCormack (Division Three) to find out who and why certain players received their votes.

A-Grade Winner Luke Kimber (University Barbarians)

“The quality of the playing group across this year’s A-grade competition has been outstanding, so I think picking a single best and fairest probably doesn’t do justice to the countless individuals across the Coast who made this the closest A-grade season in recent memory,” Ryan said.

“That said, Luke Kimber’s selection as the A-Grade best and fairest winner is well and truly deserved.

“Kimber’s a real asset to his team and the competition; probably the type of player you’d love playing with but dread playing against.

“He’s got a high rugby IQ, and demonstrable leadership skills making him a standout captain.

“He’s an abrasive defender and incredibly strong over the ball, it’s pretty easy to see why he’s attracted votes for this year’s best and fairest.

“You can only hope he decides to stick around playing for a few years as he’s definitely one of the guys who lifts the quality of the competition when he’s on the field – if not, there is a fluoro orange jersey and whistle waiting for him in retirement.”

Reserve Grade Winner Luke Frisby (Caloundra Lighthouse)

“Luke has always been a strong leader prior to his captaincy this season,” Jurisevic said.

“His dedication to the sport and his club, along with his unwavering respect for the opposition and all match officials has been something to admire.

“As a very tenacious player, he has often led by example on the paddock.

“Win lose or draw, you’ll always find he knows how to lift the team’s spirit and go on to have a great time.

“After all, this is the game we love, he shows a clear passion for it and I would see no one more deserving of the best and fairest award.”

Women’s Winner Dillyn Blackburn (Noosa Dolphins)

Dillyn Blackburn from the Noosa Dolphins has been crowned Sunshine Coast rugby union's 2022 Best and Fairest winner of the Women's division.

“Dillyn was the Noosa vice-captain who played number eight but really led from the front,” Hawkins said.

“She played with plenty of passion in every game that she played and that was evident in the grand final when she had a cut above her eye, got that taped up, had blood running out of her nose, put some bandages up there, and was still going at 100 per cent.

“Her best trait is probably as a ball carrier, she is very strong into contact, hits the opposition at speed and then presents the ball very well.

“She never looks to step around anyone, she just runs it hard and straight and most of the time goes over them.”

Division Three Winner Jack Buckley (Brothers)

“Jack is a young, skilful player that’s come to the club after a few years off following his time in the juniors,” McCormack said.

“He controls the game very well at fly half or fullback and is respectful to each and every player on the field.”