Palmerston Crocs’ Nathan Dixon with impressive medal haul following big rookie season

PALMERSTON Crocs young gun fly-half Nathan Dixon capped off a stellar rookie A-grade season with a haul of awards, including the prestigious Eric Johnston Medal.

Palmerston Crocs young gun fly-half Nathan Dixon cleaned up at the 2020-21 Eric Johnston Medal night. Picture: Che Chorley

PALMERSTON Crocs young gun fly-half Nathan Dixon capped off a stellar rookie A-grade season with a haul of awards, including the prestigious Eric Johnston Medal.

The former Mackillop College student and Swampdogs junior had a massive 2020-21 season for the Crocs, working his way up to make the starting No.10 jersey his own.

The 17-year-old emerged victorious on the medal count, hitting the lead after nine rounds and holding off a challenge from Darwin Dragons’ three-time winner Hirini Murfitt.

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Dixon’s attacking flair and speed off the mark made him a standout of the wet season competition, and also saw fifth-placed Palmerston into the winners’ circle on more than one occasion.

His skills and match play also made him the natural choice to take home the Tawera Kerr-Barlow Medal for the Rising Star player.

Swampdogs’ Eve Genders and Darwin Dragon Danielle Suddaby took home the Naomi Roberts Medal for Women’s Player of the Year, with both putting in massive shifts throughout the season.

Genders was also the recipient of the Bo de la Cruz Emerging Talent Award, lifting her medal tally to two.

Casuarina Cougars A-grade coach Joe Albert took home the David Cooper Senior Coach of the Year award following a season where his side climbed into its second consecutive grand final.

Robbie Taylor scored back-to-back Referee of the Year awards, but this season shared the honours with James Harrop, who made his first-grade debut during the season.

NT Rugby’s chief executive Shane Sullivan commended all the winners following a big season of rugby with plenty of highlights.

“On behalf of our rugby community, I wish to congratulate all of our 2020-21 award winners,” he said.

“The decision to hold consecutive seasons with the move back to a wet-season competition has been both challenging and enjoyable for all involved.

“This year’s Eric Johnston Medal night allows our community to celebrate together the fantastic achievements of our clubs, players, coaches and match officials.”

Eric Johnston Medal 2020-21 award winners:

Eric Johnston Medal: Nathan Dixon (Palmerston).

Dan Panapa Reserve Grade Best and Fairest: Daniel Heikkinen (Casuarina).

Naomi Roberts Medal for Women’s Player of the Year: Eve Genders (Swampdogs) and Danielle Suddaby (Darwin).

Tawera Kerr-Barlow Medal for the Rising Star Player (Under-18 playing A-grade): Nathan Dixon (Palmerston).

Bo de la Cruz Emerging Talent Award: Eve Genders (Swampdogs).

A-grade Leading Try Scorer: Jone Vakacegu (South Darwin).

A-grade Leading Points Scorer: Robert Butcher (University).

Reserve Grade Leading Try Scorer: Joel Turaga (Palmerston).

Reserve Grade Leading Points Scorer: Victor Campbell (Palmerston).

Referee of the Year: Robbie Taylor and James Harrop.

Most Improved Referee: Allan Hunt and Ethan van Gelderen.

Junior Referee of the Year: Julius Appo.

David Cooper Senior Coach of the Year: Joseph Albert (Casuarina).

Colin Snowden Junior Coach of the Year: Amosa “Junior” Po Ching (South Darwin)