J.J Liston Trophy Night
By Alysia Thomas-Sam | Photo by Jenny Owens
Box Hill has collected season-defining accolades in the VFL’s awards night with Alex Woodward taking home the biggest prize of the evening, the J.J Liston Trophy.
Woodward has been exceptional in the Brown and Gold, playing out 13 influential matches for the home and away season that earned him a debut for Hawthorn in Round 18.
His 2014 campaign has been his breakout year with injuries troubling his form in the past with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in 2012 and another re-injury of his ACL in the 2013 pre-season.
The 21 year old seized the coveted medal three votes clear of North Ballarat’s second-placed Liam Anthony. Woodward has received best on ground on four separate occasions averaging 23 disposals and six tackles a game.
Last night he polled in nine of the 13 games he played this year, which was the most individual votes awarded to any player this season.
Box Hill’s very own skipper was also recognised for his on-field leadership and courage. David Mirra was selected in the VFL team of the year for a third year running, following up his picks in 2011 and 2013.
The reliable defender has earned his place consecutively through his determination and admirable grit in his performances.
Peter McEvoy shared the honour of the A. Todd Medal in a tie with Port Melbourne’s Josh Muling. McEvoy polled in six matches and had a late surge of votes to create a dead-heat for the award with Muling.
In his debut season after hailing from Tasmania, McEvoy quickly showed a knack for his proficiency in front of goal. He was the highest goal kicker for the AFL Development League by 23 goals.
The younger brother of Ben McEvoy was well deserving of the best and fairest award and even played in his first seniors match against Port Melbourne last weekend and lived up to his usual standard, kicking two goals for himself.
But, McEvoy is not the only Hawk who loves a goal or two.
Sam Grimley was presented the Jim ‘Frosty’ Miller Medal for his domination up forward, sharing the honours with Port Melbourne’s Dan Connors who also kicked 38 goals for the year. Grimley has been an invaluable asset to the Hawks’ forward line and a joy for the faithful to cheer on at Box Hill City Oval. Against Port Melbourne in the Qualifying Final, Grimley kicked four goals, which was double what his opponent in Connors managed for the match.
Alex Woodward, David Mirra, Peter McEvoy and Sam Grimley have been critical to the Box Hill line-up for the year. These Hawks deserved to be recognised for their formidable influence on the Hawks’ success for the home and away season.
All four commended players will be relishing in their awards but in the larger picture they’ll be getting ready for the big day on September 14th when they can put their talents into action in the preliminary final.
