ASHLEY SHENKER

AJAX footballer Gary Blieden was rewarded for a stellar season with a second consecutive best and fairest award at AJAX’s presentation night on Tuesday.

Blieden was the standout player polling 90 votes, 20 clear of Mark Segal, who finished second with 70. Ruben Winograd completed the minor placings on 69.

The star midfielder polled in almost every game of the season. Blieden went on to scoop the awards pool, taking out the club’s most courageous award and the supporter’s vote.

Other awards presented to senior players were the most improved to leading goalkicker David Fayman, most determined to midfielder Josh Kalmus, the coaches award to Ben Kalmus, and best first-year player to speedy forward Josh Sacks.

The reserves best and fairest was won by Rodney Grof, who capped a off a stellar season in the reserves, finishing above gun defender Sam Bruce and agile ruckman Ben Rotstein.

The reserve’s coaches award went to Josh Smith who is touted to play in the seniors next season, while coach Gary Blusztein was honoured with the best clubman award.

The Under-19s best and fairest was a tight affair with Matthew Kaye and Matthew Nissen sharing the top award. Josh Ludski finished one vote behind the pair in second, with Noah Rischin only one behind Ludski.

The most courageous award went to defender Joel Gocs, whilst David Wloszczowski picked up the coaches award.

All the hard work behind the scenes was rewarded with vice president Lester Oviss and committee member Tahl Lerner awarded best administrators, and the other vice president Mark Feldy was presented with the president’s trophy for his work throughout the season.

All the awards

Seniors

Best and fairest

Gary Blieden

Most courageous

Gary Blieden

Supporter’s Vote

Gary Blieden

Reserves

Best and fairest

Rodney Grof

Coaches award

Josh Smith

Best clubman

Gary Blusztein

Under-19

Best and fairest

Matthew Kaye, Matthew Nissen

Most courageous

Joel Gocs

Coaches award

David Wloszczowski