WRFL: Tie for Barry Priest Medal

For the first time since 2000, two players have shared the Barry Priest Medal for best and fairest in Western Region Football League’s division 1.

Two of the best onballers in the competition, Spotswood player-coach Chris O’Keefe and Deer Park’s Shannon Broadbent, tied on 21 votes after each failed to receive a vote in the final round of a gripping count.

Speedster and leading goalkicker Kwame McHarg (Deer Park) rounded out the placings to finish two back on 19 votes; rebounding half back Steven Kennedy (Altona) tallied 16, while dual medal winner Tim Jenkins (St Albans) and ruckman Chris Stewart (Deer Park) tied for fifth with 15.

There could be no qualms about O’Keefe and Broadbent sharing the spoils. O’Keefe is one of the great rovers of the modern era, while Broadbent is noted for his ability to get to a contest and make an impact with his physicality.

In division 2, Sanctuary Lakes rookie
of the year Jessi Lampi claimed the Alan Smith Medal for best-and-fairest in the competition.