Western Jets star Brayden Monk. Photo: Damjan Janevski
Brayden Monk has enjoyed an excellent 12 months.
After missing out on the Western Jets squad in 2013, the teenager returned with a vengeance this year, fighting his way into the TAC Cup club’s top echelon of players.
The reward for his hard work came last week when the teenager claimed the Western Jets’ best and fairest award.
Monk won the Barry Round Medal with 214 votes from teammates Liam Duggan and Billy Myers, who finished second and third with 187 votes and 167 respectively.
The 18-year-old was a picture of consistency throughout the season, named among the Jets’ best players in 12 of his 17 matches, including the club’s elimination final loss to Dandenong.
Western Jets region manager Shane Sexton was full of praise for Monk.
“I can remember watching him run around in an under-16 Western Region Football League final … he was a good little player at the time,” Sexton said.
“You just sort of wondered if he would be able to make it at his size
“He really didn’t get much of a look in last year, and in fact he wasn’t on the list at all. He was in our Majak Daw multicultural squad and played some super footy.
“After he had showed that dedication, that perseverance, that desperation to succeed, we gave him a look in.
“All of those characteristics have shown through again this year and he’s been an outstanding player.”
For Duggan, second-placing in the Barry Round medal caps off an outstanding final year of junior football.
The Melton resident was a member of the AFL AIS Academy, played in the under-18 national championships, and played and was integral to the Jets reaching the finals.
“His [Duggan’s] second-place finish is a terrific reflection of the season he has had,” Sexton said.
While the TAC Cup season might be over, there is no slowing down for the Jets’ top-line players, who have turned their attention to the AFL draft.
Six Jets will be put on show for AFL recruiters at the AFL draft combine next month before November’s national draft.
WESTERN JETS AWARDS
Best and fairest: Brayden Monk
Most consistent: Dillon Viojo-Rainbow
Best first-year player: Jackson Volpato
Best defensive player: Mitch Palma
Most courageous: Billy Myers
Coaches’ award: Connor Menadue
Trainers’ award: Liam McMahon
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