Frankston Bomber Sam Fox the toast of Nepean league after winning the George Osborne Medal
FRANKSTON Bombers star Sam Fox has edged out his best mate Dale Sutton to win the Nepean league’s George Osborne Medal.
Mornington
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FRANKSTON Bombers midfielder-forward Sam Fox has edged out his best mate Dale Sutton to win the Nepean league’s George Osborne Medal.
It was a Bombers quinella as Fox polled 26 votes to finish two ahead of runner-up Sutton in the league vote count at Mornington Racing Club on Wednesday night.
“He was my tip,” Fox said, referring to Sutton. “He’s been amazing this year but I ended up getting him.”
Fox and Sutton tied in the Frankston Bombers B&F award last week.
They and the Bombers will look to cap a splendid season with a premiership when they contest the grand final on Saturday, September 10.
Fox, 24, is a self-confessed “massive footy head” who looks forward to every training session and game.
He played four seasons with the Frankston Dolphins in the VFL, managing 14 senior games, before making the crunch decision to leave and join the Bombers this season.
“It was tough to leave the Dolphins,” he said.
“All my best mates are there...it was a massive decision but I’m stoked I made it. It was the right timing. Now we’re playing in a grand final and I’m really enjoying my footy.”
Fox didn’t play in a winning game at Frankston last year - “it starts to take a toll”, he said - but has won just about everything at the Frankston Bombers.
He said it’s been a joy to play in a strong, well balanced Bombers side under coach Beau Muston.
“’Musto’ has got a good team, playing good team footy,” he said.
“Obviously there are some good individuals. Our backline is just amazing. On every line you’ve got gun players. Every player is playing their role. The reason why we are in the grand final is because we are playing team footy.”
Muston said Fox has “been an ultimate professional” since joining the team this season.
“It’s no surprise that he’s got out what he put in,” he said.
“He’s always there doing the extra, seeking feedback from coaching staff which is good. He really wanted to come back and have an enjoyable year and he wanted to get back to some of his best footy which is taking the game on, high risk footy and he’s got a bit of flair back into his game, especially in the back half of the year.
“I would say Sam is a bit of a match-winner.
“He’s a goal kicking mid forward, super agile with very, very strong hands. He’s a bit of a dangerous match-up. And he’s also happy to get in there and do the tough stuff. He’s one of the best tacklers in our side.”
It was a good night for the Frankston Bombers. Fox, Sutton and Muston were also named in the Nepean team of the year, with Muston also named coach.
Fox is also an aspiring coach, having overseen the FDJFL representative program this season.
The Nepean league reserves medal was won by Devon Meadows’ Rhyse Shortis, while the U19 Nepean Bill Bosse Medal count was a tie between Sorrento teammates Bailey Holt and Joey Boase.
George Osborne Medal: Sam Fox (Frankston Bombers) 26, Dale Sutton (Frankston Bombers) 24, Scott Simpson (Somerville) 19, Ryan Mullett (Rye) 15, Kris Bardon (Rye) 14.
2016 Nepean team of the year: B: Christian Ongarello (Dromana), James Brigden (Sorrento), Beau Muston (Frankston Bombers). HB: Paul Rogasch (Hastings), Scott Simpson (Somerville), Nick Boswell (Rosebud). C: Jake Mitchell (Red Hill), Ryan Mullett (Rye), Rowan Hogenbirk (Somerville). HF: Colin McVeigh (Hastings), Keegan Downie (Rosebud), Luke Tapscott (Sorrento). FF: Luke Hewitt (Hastings), Nick Corp (Sorrento), Sam Fox (Frankston Bombers). Ruck: Ben Dywer (Rosebud). Ruck rover: Greg Bentley (Rosebud). Rover: Dale Sutton (Frankston Bombers). Interchange: Alex Harnett (Pearcedale), Matthew Greig (Rye), Shaun Foster (Hastings), Mark Devereaux (Hastings). Coach: Beau Muston (Frankston Bombers).
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