WITH the Western Border football season upon us, the player of the year is about to kick off as well.
This year it will be known as the Intersport player of the year, with votes compiled as usual from The Border Watch football writers in a 3-2-1 format.
In recent seasons we have seen close contests and runaway victories, with the stars of the league always rising to the occasion.
Brett O’Neil was one such runaway back in the 2015-16 seasons, where he easily accounted for his counterparts in back-to-back efforts.
Millicent’s Dylan Bromley claimed the honours back in 2017 by a slender one vote, as did Casterton Sandford’s Callum Currie last season.
In fact last season’s result was one of the closest, with Currie beating West Gambier’s Lawry Bradley-Brown by a solitary vote.
Millicent’s Tom Hutchesson and the Cats’ William Macdonald finished equal third, just one vote behind Bradley-Brown.
This season promises another tight contest, with Currie not on the Cats’ roster to defend his title.
O’Neil should be in top shape, with some extra runners in the Demons’ lineup to help move the ball through the mid-field.
That scenario may see his team mates steal votes from him, but it will be the same for other sides as well.
Bradley-Brown also has plenty of competition at the Roos, while some of the Cats’ inclusions are largely unknown quantities at this stage.
North Gambier has its usual suspects, with a new coach in place who will hopefully return the Tigers to better results.
The likes of Nick Blachut, Nick McInerney and even the coach himself Justin McConnell are sure to feature in the votes at some stage of the season.
Overall 2019 promises to be an exciting year, with a tight competition and some classy performances.
Look for the Intersport player of the year column in Wednesday’s edition of The Border Watch each week.
