Overwhelmed.
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That’s how Nathan Potts described his feelings after being named Orange Hawks’ 2016 player of the year in his first full season in Group 10 premier league.
Playing lock, Potts was a shining light for Hawks along with likes of fullback Jedd Kennedy and skipper Max Wolfson in an otherwise arduous season for the two blues, which netted the side just two wins – both over wooden spooners Lithgow Workies.
Potts was regularly his side’s best though and drew praise from other coaches as well. He only scored one try during the year – against Bathurst St Pat’s – but his presence was most felt in defence, and the maturity and leadership he showed was akin to that of someone far older than his 19 years.
Potts had the award bestowed on him at Hawks’ presentation evening last week, which he said “was a sensational night”.
“I was completely overwhelmed,” Potts said.
“I certainly wasn’t expecting it, there was a lot of guys who played some really good football during the season.
“Guys like Jedd, Jack Aumuller, Max, they were all very good so there was probably several guys who could’ve won it and would’ve deserved it.”
Considering he’s just 19 and the reputation he’s beginning to forge, there’s thought Potts would be well-served by looking Sydney-way in future seasons.
“You’ve always got to keep your options open I guess and you always want to go as far as you can, but I’ll be at Hawks next year at least. I want to be around when we beat those blokes from CYMS,” Potts laughed.
“In terms of representative footy Group 10 is on the radar ... but there’s plenty of hard work needed before I start seriously thinking about that stuff.”
Of Hawks’ other major awards Jack Aumuller won rookie of the year, Jacky Lyden, Kasey Byrne and Sheryll Selwood shared the encouragement award, Simon O’Brien and Barry Goodlock shared the clubperson of the year gong, while Lailee Phillips won the Kathy Cooper Award.
Em McDonald was named league tag player of the year while Jedd Kennedy claimed premier league players’ player. Tom Blimka won first division player of the year and Ryan Hamling took the players’ player gong.
Michael Kennewell and Bruce McAlpine were also given life memberships.