The leadership qualities of Luke Hitch and Nick Stuhldreier have shone through for the Western Jets this season.
The co-captains, voted into the positions by the playing group and endorsed by the coaches in the pre-season, did not put a foot wrong this campaign.
Hitch took out the most courageous award at the club’s best-and-fairest, while Stuhldreier collected the trophy for most consistent.
Jets coach Torin Baker said the pair had been superb.
“For those boys, it’s good to share the job because there’s a lot going on for them when they’re trying to get drafted, doing year 12 and still growing as young men,” he said.
“We thought sharing the captaincy worked well.”
Another player to show good leadership for the Western Jets was Joshua Mould.
The defender earned the ultimate praise from his coach by winning the coaches’ award.
“He makes his teammates better and he’s a real competitor,” Baker said.
“I decided on that award, but I certainly know all the other coaches really enjoyed working with Josh as well.”
Mould had a spectacular bounce-back season after a year out with a lower leg injury. The Wyndham Vale product played in all 18 games and proved a headache for opposition forwards.
Zak Butters was named best first-year player. The boy from Darley will be one of the Jets to watch next season.
“He’s popular with the way he approaches his footy,” Baker said.
“He’s a small but he competes well overhead. He can do some things on the footy field that few can.”
Harrison White is one for the future, claiming the under-15 player of the year award, while Emerson Jeka claimed the under 16 player of the year award.
