Dynamic Darley duo Steven Kennedy and Jake Edwards cemented their places among the elite talent of the Ballarat Football League with top-three places in the B&F awards last week.
Kennedy was equal second with 15 votes, while Edwards took a share of third spot with 13.
Winner of the Premix King Henderson Medal was Ballarat’s Shane Hutchinson, who polled 21 votes.
Second place capped off a brilliant year for utility Kennedy, who booted 27 goals and was named among the Devils’ best players seven times.
Darley football manager Travis Edwards said Kennedy’s preparation was a major reason for his success. “He’s very professional in the way he goes about his footy,” Edwards said.
“He does extra outside his normal training requirements. It’s a lesson to a lot of our young players about how he goes about his footy.
“He’s ultra-consistent, and [the vote] is a really good reflection of his year.
“To have someone like that as an example to our younger players is paramount because good culture comes from good leadership.”
After starting the season on the backline, Jake Edwards showed his versatility. He also played in the midfield and up forward for the Devils and finished with 43 goals.
“Jake can play anywhere. That’s the beauty of him,” Edwards said.
“Ideally, he goes through the midfield and then goes forward for us. Versatility is one of his great strengths. He has really got it all.”
Kennedy and Edwards were both named in the 22-man BFL team of the year. They were joined by teammates Rhys Ellis on the half-forward line and Shane Page on the half-back line.
2014 Ballarat Football League Team of the Year
Backs:
Adam Sewell (Ballarat)
Ryan Hobbs (North Ballarat City)
Lachlan Cassidy (Ballarat)
Half backs:
Shane Page (Darley)
Jake Edwards (Darley)
Cameron Richardson (Bacchus Marsh)
Centres:
Brendan Peace (Redan)
Ayden George (North Ballarat City)
Simon McCartin (North Ballarat City)
Half forwards:
Brad Murphy (Melton)
Rhys Ellis (Darley)
Ben Hayes (Lake Wendouree)
Forwards:
Michael Powell (Sebastopol)
Shaun Lyle (North Ballarat City)
Derick Micallef (North Ballarat City)
Rucks:
Paul Koderenko (East Point)
Steven Kennedy (Darley)
Jason McNamara (North Ballarat City; captain)
Interchange:
David Kovacevic (Sunbury)
Chris Giampaolo (Redan)
Reece Miles (Melton South)
Shane Hutchinson (Ballarat)
