2019 William Buck Premier Men’s Team of the Year

Nick Armistead – @NickArmistead

University Blues capped off an outstanding premiership-winning season with five players selected in the William Buck Premier Team of the Year. Defenders Marshall Rippon, Ben Capra and Cam O’Shea formed half of the team’s backline, while Ayce Cordy and Josh Green were named in the forward 50. Cordy was named captain for the first time after winning his second Woodrow Medal and leading the Blues to their first William Buck Premier flag since 2004.

Elliot Le Grice (OB), Sam Critchley (SKOB) and Josh Freezer (OM) were standouts in defence this year, with all three playing representative football and placing in the top five for marks. Critchley ranked number one for marks and fourth for kicks.

Old Xaverians ruckman Jason Holmes leads an all-star midfield after averaging 62 hit outs for the season. Nick Pavlou (OB), Adam Bentick (StB) and Gus Borthwick (OM) finished top six in the Woodrow Medal count while Borthwick was also named the Premier Coaches MVP.

Hugh Nicholson’s incredible season for De La Salle has been rewarded with a spot on the wing after the star midfielder finished second in the competition for disposals behind Pavlou. Pavlou’s teammate Harry Hill has been named vice-captain for his incredible leadership and ability to stand up for the Tonners when needed.

The top three goal kickers, Jarrad Waite (SKOB), Matt Handley (OX) and Green (UB), occupy the full forward line, while Sam Hibbins (Coll) and Rohan Bewick (OX) were named on the flanks due to both their ball-winning ability and goal kicking prowess.

Seven players have been named for the second year in a row; including, Critchley, Freezer, Viv Michie, Hibbins, Handley, Cordy and Hill.

After coaching the Blues to the flag in his first year at the club, Heath Jamieson has been named coach of the star-studded Team of the Year.

The selection process for all sections changed this year with coaches given the opportunity to nominate their own players for consideration while also choosing players from opposition teams. This, in conjunction with scribe and VAFA Media nominations, formed a more rounded selection committee.