William Buck Premier: 2018 Team of the Year

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

After a thorough deliberation and consultation process, the 2018 William Buck Premier Team of the Year has been announced.

St Kevin’s OB (12 weeks) and Collegians (six weeks) occupied top spot on the ladder for the full 18 rounds as they proved the top two sides for the duration of the home and away fixture. As such, eight of the selected 22 come from those two sides, with five from Collegians and three from SKOB.

All 10 clubs are represented following the tight-knit nature of the competition from 4th-10th on the ladder for most of the season. The full-forward line is made up of the top three goal kickers with Billy Kanakis (53), Matt Handley (48) and Seb Nicolosi (41). Sam Hibbins has been named on a forward-flank after kicking 22 goals for the grand final-bound Lions. Hibbins’ teammate Al Fahie has been named after a breakout season as the number one small defender on the second-most efficient defence in William Buck Premier.

Six players return from the 2017 Team of the Year; Tom Humphrey (DLS), Sam Critchley (SKOB), Josh Freezer (OM), Sam Hibbins (Coll), Mitch Brown (SKOB) and Courtney Hylton (Coll). Humphrey has now been named four years in a row as he continues to impress and lead from De La’s defensive 50.

11 players from this year’s victorious senior Big V side were selected, while U19 Big V star Anthony Zimmerman (OB) was rewarded for his outstanding season for the Tonners.

Old Melburnians star defender, Josh Freezer, has been named captain for the first time after a standout year for the Redlegs. Freezer has an incredible football IQ, is a natural-born leader and commands respect of his teammates and opponents alike.

After winning the Premier B flag just last year, Greg Hutchison led a young Old Brighton outfit to 12 wins and third spot on the ladder. His sensational effort earnt him Coach of the Year honours.