St Pat’s best and fairest is awarded to forward Zac Merritt

At times when then captain-coach Greg Behan was absent from the line-up, Merritt was charged with leading a young forward pack across the park.

Merritt, who previously played for St Pat’s in 2011 to 2013, was signed from Group 11 club Forbes Magpies in November, 2017.

St Pat’s president Dave Chapman said Merritt comfortably won the award.

“He’s already played at the club previously, so we know what talent he brings to the club and he led a young forward pack, especially when Greg Behan was out injured,” he said.

“He polled consistently throughout the year and in the end, he pretty much had a mortgage on the best and fairest award, even at the halfway mark in the season.”

One St Pat’s player that did make a close charge for the best and fairest award was fellow prop Jack Mackey.

Mackey may have missed out on the best and fairest award, which is voted on by members of the club, he did manage to receive the players’ player award. 

“What the teammates identified in Jack, was that up until later this year, he was being used predominately off the bench,” Chapman said.

“He wasn’t getting a great amount of game time but after a couple of injuries hit our forward pack, Jack started to play 80 minutes football. He showed that he can go the distance and play some quality football.

“He’s a strong, young forward and to pick up the most votes in the players’ player award, it’s a really pleasing award to go to a local junior, who’s come up through the grades.” 

The Grey Halos Medal, which is awarded by the club’s old boys, was awarded to league tag player Meredith Jones.

“That award is usually presented to a premier league player but I think that was a nice recognition to someone who has played consistently, throughout an undefeated season,” Chapman said.

“Also, Meredith just missed out on the Group 10 player of the year award. She ran second to the overall winner.”