NAB League: Kade Chalcraft wins Murray Bushrangers best and fairest

A positional change driven by self determination has seen a Shepparton United product rewarded with the Murray Bushrangers best and fairest. Here’s how he did it.

Kade Chalcraft is one of the best examples of a player getting the best out of themselves according to Murray Bushrangers coach Mark Brown.

The Bushrangers mentor delivered the strong praise for the 19-year-old after he took home the NAB League side’s best and fairest earlier this week.

Chalcraft, a Shepparton United product, has been in the Bushrangers’ program for the past four years.

He arrived as a half forward who could get up the ground and finish the game with a high disposal count.

But Brown said he had developed into a strong inside midfielder.

“Kade’s consistency really set him apart when it came to the best and fairest,” he said.

“Unfortunately he had his 18th year wiped out due to the pandemic and it was great to see the rules change which meant he could come back and play with us again this year.

“He’s continued to work tirelessly on his game since he’s been with us.”

Given the stop start nature of the NAB League season, Chalcraft played four games for United in the Goulburn Valley league.

His best performance came against Kyabram in the last game before footy was called off around the state.

“Kade is the type of player who will continue to improve no matter the level he plays at,” Brown said.

“I’m really excited to see where he takes his journey from here.”

Chalcraft finished the best and fairest ahead of Charlie Byrne, Ethan Warburton and Macca Hallows, who all finished in a three-way tie for second place.

“I think it spoke to the consistency of our season,” Brown said.

“Ethan is a player who grew in his 18th year and allowed us to play him in different positions during the year. He ticks a lot of boxes as a player and someone who was really finding his best form at the end of the season.

“Charlie’s best was exceptional all year long. He’s an absolute talent with an elite kicking ability and hands.

“Then there’s Macca who is another guy who is always very consistent — there isn’t much of a gap between his best and worst footy.

“All four of those boys are terrific young men.”

There was further recognition for the Bushrangers on Thursday night when Aurora Smith and Josh Rachele were named in the NAB League girls and boys team’s of the year respectively.

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