IT’S hard to argue Orange Tigers gun Josh Bubnich was anything but the black and golds’ best and fairest throughout a sublime, flag-capturing 2014 Central West AFL season.
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Just don’t try arguing the point with Bubnich.
Modestly deflecting the praise upon his teammates, the dual premiership-winning midfielder claimed the Tigers’ top gong at the club’s presentation night, edging out the versatile Justin Fong by a massive 24 points in a lop sided count mirrored only by the dominance of the Tigers in this year’s CWAFL premiership race.
The West Australian native, however, says he never once thought he’d be heading home with the Tigers’ best crown for season 2014.
“No, not with the players we had this season,” Bubnich said, polling 58 votes to beat other major vote-grabbers Fong (34), Daniel Bruce (26), Michael Rothnie (20) and skipper Tim Barry (15).
Bubnich also picked up the first grade players’ player award.
“There’s probably a few more deserving players than me. I definitely didn’t expect anything individually.”
The Tigers dropped just one game - back in round three - and ended the year on a 16-game winning streak after taking the grand final spoils 19.14 (128) to 10.10 (70) over the Bathurst Bushrangers.
Bubnich said his 2014 highlight “has to be the GF”.
“We had a good squad and everyone seemed to enjoy their footy, so it was nice to be able to go back-to-back.”
In a jam-packed presentation, Tigers first graders Simon Ewin (most improved), Michael Rothnie (coach’s award), Tim Barry (leading goal kicker) and Daniel Bruce and Leigh Turner, sharing the Tigers’ most valuable finals player award, were all recognised following another brilliant campaign.
Clubman of the year went to Kendall Laing, while Kass Ings and Jena Templeton shared the clubwoman of the year and Tristan Degn won junior clubman.
Best supporter went to Graham Taylor, junior supporter to Kobi Louise, and Pearcey’s courageous player was Damien Englart.
The club also awarded life member to Nathan Fitzpatrick.
After a massive year with the club, Bubnich said the team would enjoy its off-season before preparations for a CWAFL three-peat kick-off in the new year.
Just who takes part in those preparations, however, is still up in the air.
“I’m not too sure, we haven’t really chatted about it yet, but I’m sure when the season gets closer and the boys start putting their hands up to play we should get most of the boys back playing ... and coaching,” he said.
In the lower grades, the Tigers enjoyed large amounts of success on the field.
Both the under 18s and reserve grade sides claimed minor premierships and grand final berths, however both Tigers outfits went down to the Bushrangers in the decider, with Tristen Deng (under 18s) and Ben Cullis (reserve grade) claiming best and fairest awards.
