KARWAN IS HAWKS’ BEST
MIDFIELDER Joel Karwan claimed the Manunda Hawks best and fairest award in one of the most exciting counts in the club’s recent memory.
The Hawks, who were beaten in the grand final by Port Douglas this month, held their annual club champion awards at the The Reef Hotel Casino on Friday night with Karwan finishing just ahead of exciting forward Ezekiel Frank.
In his first season in the brown and gold after turning out for the Gold Coast Suns in the NEAFL the last two seasons, Karwan was the Hawks most consistent player as he was named in their best players 12 times.
“The 2017 best and fairest count was one of the closest I can remember in my time at the club,” said Hawks president Richard Martin.
“Joel Karwan and Ezekiel Frank both had an outstanding year for the club and Joel was a deserved winner in the end.”
Frank booted 74 goals in his first season at the club after returning to the Far North from Darwin. The duo finished ahead of exciting winger Corey Flint, despite Flint finishing fifth in the Crathern Medal, seven votes behind the winner Hugh Nicholson.
Hawks defender Alex Carter was rewarded for a strong season with the most improved award for the club.
Up at Port Douglas, veteran midfielder Peter Bury won his second straight Crocs best and fairest prize.
The tough onballer won from skipper and spearhead Kye Chapple this time last year and did the same again in 2017.
In North Cairns’ best and fairest, Scott Rowe caused an upset as he won the Tigers highest individual honour ahead of past Crathern Medal winner Tom Clough. The duo were the best performed Tigers in the Crathern count, Clough polling 10 votes to Rowe’s six, but Rowe finished ahead in the best and fairest count.
Tiger Adam Paynting received the most improved award for a consistent season.
Josh Brinn was rewarded for his consistent year at Holloways Beach as he won Cairns City Lions best and fairest from Brad Wallace.
Ruckman Liam Woodcock Nowlan was recognised at the Most Consistent Lion in 2017.
“The night was very successful as that doubles the amount of people we have had at any sort of club function in the last four years,” said Lions president Robbie Taranto.
“It shows we have a strong support base that want to see us go forward.
“We start pre-season on November 18, with a family day at Holloways Beach.”