Tom Keys wins NFNL Rosbrook Medal, while Maykaylah Appleby goes back-to-back
In his first season at Heidelberg, Tom Keys is now a Rosbrook Medallist, and could add premiership player, but there was heartbreak for a Montmorency gun. FULL WINNERS LIST
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Tom Keys decision to join Heidelberg just before the season is paying off handsomely.
The star forward-ruckman is now a NFNL Division 1 Rosbrook Medallist, named the league best-and-fairest winner in a gala awards night at Marvel Stadium.
He could add Division 1 premiership player to his resume on Saturday when the Tigers take on Montmorency.
The Magpies will hope history doesn’t repeat after heartbreak on Wednesday night as Nash Holmes earnt the most votes, 26, but was ineligible due to suspension.
The gun midfielder was banned for one week in the final game of the year against West Preston-Lakeside.
It’s the second time in three seasons a Montmorency player has been suspended in Round 18 and gone on to top the vote after Liam Wale-Buxton in 2022.
Keys polled 21 votes to edge Banyule ace Kye Yodgee on 19, while Hurstbridge’s Will Cookson and Greensborough skipper Jack Johnston were joint third on 15.
A three-vote performance in the Round 18 win over Hurstbridge lifting Keys to victory.
After two seasons with Panton Hill, Keys said a shift to Warringal Park and reunion with Vinny Dattoli had brought out the best in him.
“It’s been a massive change this year, I’ve really struggled with enjoyment – just getting out there,” Key said.
“Coming to a new place, the higher standard – there’s so much talent on the list – it spurs you on to get more out of yourself.
“You can’t get away with being an average player.
“Vinny just gives you every opportunity to get the best out of yourself.
“I knew going there, I’ve played under him before, he puts a lot of time into his players, so I knew if I was going to go back he’s be the best man to play under.”
Keys and his Tiger teammates will now turn their attention to Saturday, looking to win a premiership three-peat.
Keys has been named in the best in all three matches against Montmorency this season, including a best-on-ground performance in the semi-final win two weeks ago.
“Fingers crossed, that’s the (medal) we all play for,” he said.
“This is nice but if we don’t get it on the weekend then it means nothing I guess.”
Keys’ teammate Luke Bunker won the Division 1 Coaches’ MVP, the third time in four seasons a Tiger has claimed the award, finishing ahead of Magpies pair Holmes and Stef Uzelac and Bear Yodgee.
Elsewhere, Old Eltham Collegians star Brent Macaffer made it a best-and-fairest and Coaches’ MVP double in Division 3, the second time he has achieved the feat, previously winning both in 2019 in Division 2 at Eltham.
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Whittlesea’s Taidgh Bland capped a career-best year with the Division 2 best-and-fairest, while South Morang premiership captain Tye Hall added to his growing collection with the Coaches’ MVP.
In Division 1 Women’s, Maykaylah Appleby went back-to-back for Diamond Creek Women’s, while Molly Uwland won the double in Division 2.
The Division 1 netball best-and-fairest went to Fitzroy Stars’ Tilly Shepherd.
The gun goalkeeper stormed to victory despite joining the Stars in June and only playing seven games.
2024 NORTHERN FOOTBALL NETBALL LEAGUE AWARD WINNERS
Club of the Year: Diamond Creek Women’s
Volunteer of the Year: Jacqueline Bowshall-Tanner (Kilmore)
NETBALL B&Fs
Div 14: Olivia Healy (Kilmore)
Div 13: Natasha Gemin (Greensborough) & Ash Lander (Heidelberg West)
Div 12: Kerry Philippou (Bundoora) & Akanisi Tsiros (Fitzroy Stars)
Div 11: Leah Caratozzolo (Kilmore)
Div 10: Olivia Turner-Dickason (Kinglake)
Div 9: Diandra Mponda (Epping)
Div 8: Lauren Howlett (Diamond Creek)
Div 7: Lucinda Groppi (Heidelberg)
Div 6: Kara Jayde O’Donohue (Watsonia)
Div 5: Malaika Baya (Diamond Creek)
Div 4: Holly Denholm (Greensborough)
Div 3: Elly Castles (South Morang)
Div 2: Dakota Lister (Hume)
Div 1: Tilly Shepherd (Fitzroy Stars)
FOOTBALL COACHES’ MVP
Div 3 Women’s: Kristy Steven (Hurstbridge)
Div 2 Women’s: Molly Uwland (Ivanhoe)
Div 1 Women’s: Brigid McEntee (St Mary’s)
Div 3 Men’s: Brent Macaffer (Old Eltham Collegians)
Div 2 Men’s: Tye Hall (South Morang)
Div 1 Men’s: Luke Bunker (Heidelberg)
WOMEN’S FOOTBALL B&Fs
Div 3: Hailey Cordova (South Morang)
Div 2: Molly Uwland (Ivanhoe)
Div 1: Maykaylah Appleby (Diamond Creek Women’s)
MEN’S FOOTBALL B&Fs
Div 3 U19: Will Dunn (Macleod)
Div 2 U19: Josh Worsfield-Tanner (Hurstbridge)
Div 1 U19: Connor Lidgerwood (Diamond Creek)
Div 3 Res: Gary Mongta (Fitzroy Stars)
Div 2 Res: Charlie Whalley (Diamond Creek)
Div 1 Res: Nick Uzelac (Montmorency)
Div 3: Brent Macaffer (Old Eltham Collegians)
Div 2: Taidgh Bland (Whittlesea)
Div 1: Tom Keys (Heidelberg)
History on the line for Heidelberg, Montmorency
Can Heidelberg make it a premiership three-peat or will Montmorency finally end its 45-year drought? Check out the players to watch and our predictions.
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