Bungey crowned Blues best
The Cootamundra Blues concluded their 2022 season on Saturday night with their annual presentation night being held for the first time in the new Clarke Oval club rooms.
The big winner on the night was Western Australia import Ben Bungey who capped off a remarkable debut season for the Cootamundra Blues, claiming the clubs best and fairest award in front of a 60-person strong crowd.
The speedy winger was among the Blues best players each time he took the field and claimed the trophy, finishing 21 points clear of Blues co-captain and runner-up Joel Pearson.
Such was his dominance, Bungey polled votes in all but one game he played, showing a remarkable ability to produce his best football week in week out.
Bungey was kept busy on the night, also being voted by his peers as players player as well taking home the highly prestigious Niewendyk award for most votes in the league B&F where he finished an impressive equal sixth overall.
With work commitments meaning he will be moving on after just a solitary season in navy Blue, Bungey was quick to thank all involved at the club for making him feel welcome and part of the Blues family from day one.
Despite missing a number of games over the course of the season, Blues co-captain Phil Bird still polled strongly enough to finish in third place in the B&F and claimed the Most Consistent award.
The podium finish is yet another top honour in what has been a career littered in major awards for the Blues leader.
Had he been available for more games, Bird certainly would’ve challenged for yet another first-place finish, always producing trademark game changing performances each time he took the field.
Harvey Holt was also a big winner on the night, claiming both the most improved player and captain’s awards. 2022 was a breakout season for Holt who, despite only just turning 18, showed he will be a dominant presence in the Blues forward line for years to come.
Blues fullback Cody Jordan’s strong work was rewarded with the rookie of the year award.
Since his arrival at the club, Jordan has impressed all onlookers with his fearlessness at the contest, as well as his safe hands and clean delivery of the football. Will Holt was the winner of the junior with the most potential award.
Despite being new to the game of Aussie Rules, Holt has shown great dedication and commitment to improving his skills and has come along in leaps and bounds over his two seasons at the club.
Blues coach Joe Scott awarded his coaches award to the ever-reliable Angus Ross.
Utilised in a number of different roles this season, Ross consistently gave his all, whether on the training track, or on game day. Blues full forward Sandy Maskell-Knight was the recipient of the leading goal kicker award.
Maskell-Knight is a dominating presence up forward for the Blues, always drawing the oppositions best defender and often finishing games with bags of goals.
Maskell-Knight passed a major milestone during the season, booting his 250th goal for the club to move his name firmly into the conversation of the clubs all time most potent goal scorers.
The most courageous award was won by Canberra based Blue James Ross.
In his first full season at the club, Ross was a valued contributor off the back flank, always attacking the football with little self-regard.
Despite not being based in Cootamundra, Ross’ commitment to the club was second to none as he and his fellow capital-based teammates Andy Merritt and Kai Baumhammer fit in seamlessly as if they were born and bred Coota boys.
