Mark of the Year: Matthew Lloyd
Against Geelong in the opening match of the season, Lloyd took a magnificent mark on the half forward flank riding on the back of his opponent before being almost parallel to the ground when he marked the ball.
Should have been Mark of the Year: Mark Johnson
Mark Johnson took an outstanding mark against Collingwood in the opening seconds of the Round 20 match. The only problem was that the umpire was the only person among the 70,000 people at the stadium who didn’t think it was a mark.
Goal of the Year: Paul Barnard / James Hird
Paul Barnard v Hawthorn in Round 12. The match was a thriller but Paul Barnard decided to put an end to it with a brilliant individual effort in the dying minutes. He shrugged off opponents with brute strength before bombing a right foot snap through the middle.
James Hird v Richmond in Round 2. Under extreme pressure, Hird magnificently gathered the ball one hand and threw it on to his right boot and steered it through the middle. For vision and skill under pressure it was a superb effort.
Tackle of the Year: Damien Peverill
Peverill ran down Adelaide strongman Mark Riccuito, throws him the ground, wins the free kick and kicks a goal. An honorable mention must go to Mark Johnson who had about 12 nominations for this award.
Best Individual Performance of the Season: Steve Alessio
The big man broke the hearts of Sydney for a second time. Following up his last-minute goal to snatch an Essendon win the previous season, Alessio simply dominated for Essendon in the inaugural match at Stadium Australia.
Coaching move of the Year: Scott Lucas to centre half back
Scott Lucas’ move the centre half back late in the season was an outstanding success. He dominated across the half back line in the latter part of the season and may have found himself a new home for 2003.
Speech of the Year: Matthew Lloyd
Lloyd’s acceptance speech as the club’s leading goal-kicker on Crichton Medal night was unsurpassed. Lloyd was telling those in attendance about his rehabilitation following his finger injury and he thanked Carmel Connor – wife of Bruce Connor – saying “she does great things with her hands”. It was all downhill from there.
The “Keep the Camera on Me” Award: Paul Salmon
The Big Fish kicked an excellent goal late in the Elimination Final against West Coast and then went down with cramp. It ensured the cameras were left on him for that extra couple of minutes while he basked in the limelight. The cramp could not have been that bad – he had a smile on his face the whole time.
Best First Kick in AFL Football for 2003: Shane Harvey
Harvey showed marvelous skill to roll a right foot kick through the middle from a tight angle against Fremantle in Round 6. It was an even tougher shot when you consider he was hemmed in the left forward pocket. Sam Hunt also kicked a goal with his first kick in AFL football – he also showed great confidence to drill a perfect drop punt through the middle form 30m out.
Do you disagree with any of these awards? What other awards should be given out for season 2003? Email your ideas or comments to engineroomenquiries@essendonfc.com.au
