The Courier |
SPRINGBANK’S Joel Maher is the Central Highlands Football League rookie of the year.
Maher received the award at a Sportsmen’s Association of Australia Ballarat branch dinner last night.
Maher was one of 12 nominees.
The 18-year-old had a standout year for the Tigers – his first full seniors season.
Maher made his senior debut two years ago and backed up with another five last year while also playing in the under-17.5 squad.
He capped off his junior career with Springbank as captain, and CHFL and club best and fairest.
Maher played in all Springbank’s 19 games as a midfielder, including two finals.
He led the team’s one-percenters, with a season-high 18 tackles against Skipton – a feature which reinforced his toughness.
Maher is known around the club for his commitment to improving his fitness and strength.
He was named Springbank’s better players in 14 home and away games.
SENIOR CAREER:
2011: 1 game (1 goals)
2012: 5 (3 goals)
2013: 19 (10 goals)
Other rookie of the year finalists:
Zeb Morcombe (Ballan)
Ben Uwland (Beaufort)
Oliver Hayes (Bungaree)
Joe Stalker (Carngham-Linton)
Sammy Gibson (Creswick)
Ben Collins (Dunnstown)
Adam Toohey (Gordon)
Tom Conroy (Hepburn)
Jordan Fraser (Learmonth)
Luke Relouw (Newlyn)
Adam Duffy (Waubra)
