Recognition: Moama’s Jobe Shanahan was rewarded for his outstanding year with Coates Talent League side Bendigo Pioneers, finishing equal second in the best-and-fairest. Photo: Lauren Davy
The twin towns’ long tradition of producing supremely talented junior footballers looks set to continue, with a number of local stars picking up awards at the Bendigo Pioneers presentation night.
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Moama’s Jobe Shanahan and Echuca’s Tom Evans were at the top of that list, with the duo recognised as the joint runners-up in the Coates Talent League side’s best-and-fairest count last week.
Shanahan, a tall utility, played 13 games for the Pioneers this season as a bottom-ager, kicking six goals and was named in the best players on five occasions in what was a breakout season that has well and truly put him on the radar of AFL clubs.
Showcasing an unbelievable aerial ability, Shanahan also wowed for the NSW/ACT under-17 futures side, kicking three goals in a dominant showing against Vic Metro to earn selection to Team Naitanui for the AFL Grand Final under-17 futures curtain-raiser.
Solid season: Echuca’s Tom Evans was a force at representative level this season, securing equal second place in the Bendigo Pioneers best and fairest after playing just seven games for the side.
Photo by
Steve Huntley
Evans appeared just seven times for the Pioneers this season but was among the best nearly every time he pulled on the representative guernsey, notching five appearances in the best players.
The bottom-ager earned plaudits for his toughness, while also showcasing sublime skill to bag 10 goals for the year, including a four-goal showing as the Pioneers’ best in their round one finals loss to Geelong Falcons.
The two runners-up were also joined by Echuca ace Hugh Byrne, who claimed the Pioneers’ goal-kicking award.
Byrne slotted 18 goals in his 14 games for the Pios, with hauls of three coming against the GWS Giants Academy and Tassie Devils his highest return in an individual game this season.
In what has been another terrific year for the young gun, Byrne’s output for both the Pioneers and Echuca’s premiership winning senior side has caught the attention of AFL clubs.
The Murray Bomber has been selected to attend the AFL state combine this Sunday in Melbourne, indicating that a number of clubs at the elite level have shown interest in his progress, with invites based on nominations by AFL club recruiters.
