Bristow Named 2022 Weissel Medallist

Tumut’s Lachlan Bristow has taken out the 2022 Weasel Medal after a stellar season at hooker for the Blues. 

Group 9 hosted the Eric Weissel Medal Awards Ceremony on Wednesday night to celebrate another successful season. 

Bristow claimed the title after accumulating 17 points throughout the season. Temora’s Zachary Starr was runner up with 14 points, followed by Young’s Mitch Cornish and Joshua Ayers on on 13 and 11 points respectively. 

Bristow described the achievement as a “big honor”.

“Some great players before me have received it,” he said.

“It’s something I’ll no doubt look back on one day and feel proud.

“My teammates deserve a lot of credit though; they make my job so much easier and without them it wouldn’t be possible,” Bristow said.

In reserve grade, Cherrypickers’ Matthew Murray topped the pile on 16 points, followed by Junee’s Simin Wise on 13. 

The Diesels’ James Strickland came third on 12 points, ahead of Gundagai’s Kayden Bell and Albury’s Curtly Jenkinson who came in joint forth on 10 points. 

Temora’s Emily Perrot reaped the rewards of another fantastic season, comfortably claiming the league tag title on 25 points. Brothers’ Brooke Wiggett was next best on 19, followed by Thunder’s Jaxan Blackhall on 17 points. 

Albury’s Natasha Clemson, Bree Madden of Temora and Young’s Jamila Piercy were tied on 12 points in forth spot. 

Dragons captain coach Courtney McCrone said the team and club are proud of Perrot and her achievements.

“She’s a big part of our team’s success. Her kicking game is second to none and she’s so good in all areas of the game. Her ability to read a defensive lie and put people in holes,” McCrone said.

“She scores and sets up a lot of tries and is consistently one of our best players.

“She’s also very dedicated; we see her at Nixon park at 8am kicking goals on a winters morning before we play. I hope she builds even more confidence winning the medal count.”

McCrone explained what it was like to play alongside Perrot.

“She’s extremely competitive and pushes you to be better,” she said.

“At training, the goal will be for someone to beat Pez, but it doesn’t happen very often. 

“When you play alongside her you know she’s giving it 110% and if you miss a tag she’ll probably get it for you. I’m grateful she’s on our team.” 

In a tightly contested under 18s, South City’s Clarrie Harris topped the table on 14, followed by Young’s Brock Sing on 13. 

Junee’s Will McDermott and Temora’s Jed Reardon were tied for third on 12 points, whilst Tigers’ Cody Bell came forth on 11 points. 

Cohen Benson of Brothers took out the under 16s crown on 18 points ahead of Kangaroos’ Malakai Charles on 16 and Lachlan Cole on 12. 

Brothers’ Dylan Bendall and Junee’s Cooper Wright were tied in forth on 11 points.