2016 Jim Sullivan Best & Fairest winner Tom Goodwin.
Big Ruckman Tom Goodwin was officially crowned the Jim Sullivan Medallist as Coburg’s Best and Fairest winner for the 2016 season, polling 35 votes at the annual Best & Fairest awards held last night at L’Unica Receptions.
In his second season with the club after two seasons in the Development League with the Box Hill Hawks, Goodwin took the lead following the state game bye round and never looked back- a string of hard-working consistent performances in the ruck throughout the year saw him awarded a clear winner in an exciting end to the count.
The 200cm big man took out the award ahead of midfielder Ozgur Uysal by four votes, who finished second for the second consecutive season, and Frosty Miller Medallist Ahmed Saad in third place with 30 votes. They respectively were awarded the Brad Nimmo and Vin Taranto awards for second and third place respectively.
Prime Onballer Lachie Johns, who’s second half of the season was derailed by a persistent knee injury, got out to an early lead in the count having amassed eighteen votes prior to the state game bye, with Goodwin closing in second place on with sixteen votes prior. Goodwin then took control afterwards, continually leading the charge throughout the season averaging 25 hitouts a match and continually giving the midfielders first use of the ball throughout the season.
Goodwin would also come home with the inaugural Nick Carnell Leadership Award, as a result of his step up into the nine-man leadership group for the 2016 season, who were also responsible for captaining the side throughout the year. Goodwin managed 17 out of a possible 18 games in 2016, with the 25-year-old taking his senior game tally to 33.
Senior Coach Peter German paid tribute to Goodwin, who acknowledged his efforts throughout the 2016 season, especially the pre-season campaign where he worked hard in order to improve his fitness levels.
