Gundagai Tigers have celebrated the conclusion of another successful season, with the club holding its presentation night at the Gundagai Ex-Services Club on Saturday night.
The night gave the Tigers an opportunity to reflect on a season highlighted by the first grade side going back-to-back as Group 9 premiers.
It was another strong campaign for the club, with the reserve grade side also reaching the finals, while the under 18s finished just one win outside the top five.
The league tag side also continued to show plenty of fight throughout the season, remaining competitive in a number of matches against more fancied opposition.
There was plenty of interest surrounding the first grade awards, with the quality of the squad making for a difficult task when it came to deciding the individual honours.
Hooker Wilson Hamblin was rewarded for an outstanding season by taking out the Best and Fairest award.
Hamblin was outstanding in the grand final victory over Temora and was a constant threat around the ruck in attack, while his commitment defensively was evident throughout the season. His fitness was also a feature of his game as he continued to work hard for the side.
The Players’ Player award went to Tyron Gorman, who moved into the five-eighth role midway through the season and excelled in the position.
The experienced Gorman added an excellent kicking and passing game to his elusive running ability and played an important role in the Tigers’ successful campaign.
James Morgan was named Best Back after another strong season.
A former country representative, Morgan proved difficult for opposing outside backs to handle throughout the year and beat a quality field to claim the award.
Joe Tahaafe was recognised as the Best Forward after an impressive season in the middle.
Tahaafe is perhaps an underrated member of the Tigers squad, going about his work with minimal fuss, although those inside the club know just how valuable he is to the side.
Local second rower Jack Elphick took out the Best Non-Contract Player award after putting together a consistent season.
The Coaches Award went to Benjy Hannan, who was enjoying another excellent season before an unfortunate injury saw him spend some time on the sidelines late in the year.
Hannan is proving to be the type of player teammates enjoy having around them, and his contribution to the side was recognised with the award.
Jayden Steele was named Rookie of the Year after making his first-grade debut in round two against Tumut Blues.
Steele held his own whenever called upon to do a job on the wing and showed plenty to suggest he has a bright future ahead of him.
In reserve grade, the evergreen Mark Elphick added another trophy to what is already a sizeable collection after taking out the Best and Fairest award.
Nick McDonald was named Players’ Player, having also been part of the first grade grand final squad.
Gus Pollack was recognised as the Most Improved player, while Stephen Gill was named Best Back and Brett Eccleston Best Forward.
Tylor Rolfe took home the Coaches Award.
In the Weissel Cup, Jordy Howell was named Best and Fairest, with Ed Smart and Nathan Hardy sharing the Players’ Player award.
Chase Russell was named Most Improved, while Locky Eccleston was awarded Best Back and Cooper Bartlett Best Forward.
Jack Robson received the Coaches Award.
The league tag awards saw Evie Jones take out the Best and Fairest, with Cassie Brennan named Players’ Player.
Mia Doughty was recognised as Most Improved, while Deanna Smith was named Most Consistent.
The Coaches Award was shared by Claire Lindley and Addie Fairall.
For the Tigers, the night was a chance to celebrate the efforts of everyone involved across the grades, but the back-to-back first-grade premiership remained the standout achievement of another memorable season for the club.
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