2018 Taylor Medal Preview

This Thursday night Subiaco will celebrate the season of its Colts with the annual Taylor Medal Presentation Dinner.

Less than two weeks after claiming the third premiership in Subiaco club history, the players of that premiership team, along with their extended teammates and family will be at the Leederville Sports Bar & Functions Centre to recognise a successful season.

The premiership cup and premiership flag of the Colts will be in the room, as will the flags of fellow Subiaco 2018 premiership teams from the Reserves and League.

After claiming the Taylor Medal last year and winning the Jack Clarke Medal as the competition’s best this year, Liam Hickmott goes into the Taylor Medal count as favourite to join a select group of players to win two Taylor Medals.

However Hickmott will have tough competition in what is set to be an exciting count with a number of players having big seasons and important contributions in a premiership year for the Subiaco Colts.

These are among the favourites on Taylor Medal night:

LIAM HICKMOTT

Hickmott was a deserving winner of the 2017 Taylor Medal after averaging 18 possessions and five tackles a game last year. In 2018 though, Hickmott has elevated his game even further, becoming the premier inside midfielder of WAFL Colts football. Hickmott rose his averages to over 25 possessions and over seven tackles per game across 20 games this year. A model of consistency Hickmott had over 17 possessions in every game he played, while having five tackles or more in 18 games. Had a career high 38 possessions against Perth in Round Eight while had 12 tackles in two games, against Claremont in Round Four and in the Second Semi Final against Swans.

TRISTAN HOBLEY

After surprisingly missing out on WA State 18s selection, Hobley did not linger on the near miss, producing an outstanding season of consistent midfield football. Though in a different role, Hobley became a formidable one-two midfield punch alongside Hickmott for the Lions. Hobley topped the WAFL Colts competition for possessions in 2018, having 533 at an average just under 27.  The consistency of Hobley was seen, having at least 20 possessions in all bar one game. Went on a hot streak through the second half of the year with 30 possessions in five games, also winning the Mel Whinnen Medal as the best player in the 2018 WAFL Colts Grand Final. A real threat to upset Hickmott on the night.

JACK MAYO

The leading goal kicker in WAFL Colts football in 2018, Mayo became an important feature of the Subiaco side as the potent forward target it needed. Mayo was a consistent threat in the air, both on the lead and when in a contest providing a key focal point heading forward for the Lions. Mayo finished with 50 goals for the season, and realistically could have had a historically great season if not for some wayward goal kicking. Mayo finished with 44 behinds on the season, though Mayo did show a real thirst for clutch moments kicking several crucial goals during the season. Kicked goals in all bar one match for the year, with a bag of six in Round Ten against East Fremantle and five against Swans in Round Three two of his standout performances.

LUKE FOLEY

Though Foley played just nine games for the season, his outstanding performance across these nine games, and a voting system that rewards standout performances, means Foley could be a surprise winner on Thursday night. Across the nine games with Subiaco’s Colts, Foley averaged 25 possessions and seven tackles, proving to be one of the competition’s standout midfielders. The standing of Foley amongst the competition was seen by winning selection to the WAFL Colts Team of the Year despite playing just nine games.

WIL HICKMOTT

While not having the standout performances of his older brother, Wil Hickmott has been another key contributor in the Subiaco Colts side. A dynamic midfielder the younger Hickmott overcame heavy attention from opposition to have a strong year, averaging nearly 22 possessions a game. Started the season very strongly with over 20 possessions in nine of his first 10 games, and could surprise with some strong early votes.

MADOC PLANE

The captain of the Subiaco side and the general leader of the WAFL Colts best defence, the performances of Plane cannot be understated. Plane consistently found himself in the right position to make the right impact on games. One of the best young leaders in WAFL Colts football, Plane had an important influence on his young defensive teammates. With a strong defensive effort across the year, Plane may be the beneficiary of this.

TAJ SCHOFIELD

Like Foley and Wil Hickmott, may have missed too many games to win, but could surprise after a stunning debut season after debuting at the age of just 15. Schofield improved dramatically over the season, showing greater defensive presence across the year while adding trademark flair offensively. Started his Colts career with five goals in his first two games and averaged 18 possessions, three marks and three tackles a contest across the year.

KYLE STAINSBY

After winning the Newton-Screaigh Award and Past Players Association Award in 2017, the versatile Stainsby could be another one of the surprise packets on Taylor Medal night. A year older, Stainsby played 18 of 20 games, increasing his possessions from nine to 15 a game and tackles from three to five a game. Is another one of the young Colts who has blossomed under coach Beau Wardman and has shown an ability to do a number of roles for the Subiaco Colts.

Major Awards to be presented on Taylor Medal Night:

TAYLOR MEDAL (Best & Fairest)

WHOLOHAN TROPHY (Runner Up B&F)

OUTSTANDING PLAY AWARD (3^rd B&F)

LADIES FORUM AWARD (Most Consistent)

NEWTON SCREAIGH AWARD (Coaches Award)

PLAYER OF FINALS

Tuesday 5pm is the cut-off for those looking to book for Taylor Medal night. Those looking to come and celebrate the Colts season are encouraged to book on Tuesday.