LIAM DURKIN
FOOTBALL
By LIAM DURKIN
GIPPSLAND Power announced its award winners for season 2021 recently.
Local players Luis D’Angelo, Jess McGrath, Nathan Noblett and Chance Doultree were among the winners.
Traralgon’s D’Angelo came runner-up in the best and fairest, which was won by Phillip Island’s Mitch Moschetti.
D’Angelo benefited from time with Box Hill in the VFL, as did McGrath who played with Richmond.
Amazingly, McGrath, who was named Power’s most professional player, played a game for the Moe reserves this season.
Noblett, from Morwell, won the goal kicking award.
Taking into account the shortened season, Noblett’s return was modest compared to previous winners, although he did manage a four-goal haul against Western Jets.
Traralgon’s Doultree was named most determined.
Gippsland Power only got on the park 10 times in 2021, winning three games.
Things were not looking good early doors, as the side lost its first six games. However, a late season rally saw them string some good performances together, and they were able to win three of their last four games.
Ultimately, the stop-start nature of the COVID season derailed any chance of continuity, but a win over second-placed Greater Western Victoria proved Gippsland Power’s worth and standing against some of the country’s best young players.
Most Gippsland Power players also returned home to their local club at some stage in the season, slotting into various senior teams.
Other award winners were Yarram’s David Brinker-Ritchie who was judged most improved, Warragul’s Rhys Gavin (best first year player), Drouin’s Tom Evans (support staff award) and Phillip Island’s Max Walton (coaches award).
The Gippsland Power women’s team best and fairest was won by Traralgon’s Matilda Van Berkel.
Joint runner-up was Yasmin Duursma (Foster) and Grace McRae (Wonthaggi).
The Power women’s team didn’t have much to crow about this season, winning just one game.
