Fairest and best awards and All-Australian honours for Albany Vikings at AFL Masters National Carnival

A strong contingent of Albany Vikings shone at the AFL Masters National Carnival held in Perth from September 25-October 1. Albany pair Brett Hall and Jono Woods and Gairdner’s Peter Smith were recognised for their outstanding carnivals, claiming best and fairest awards in their respective age categories. The trio were also named All-Australians for the carnival as their WA teams went through to be crowned champions. Hall was competing at his seventh national carnival and his WA 1 team went through the 45s division undefeated. The 49-year-old was named best and fairest for the division and an All-Australian. “It’s a real privilege to wear the WA jumper because at our age it’s the highest level of footy we can play,” Hall said. “Our Vikings were a step above and it was good to watch the other boys play against guys their own age. “It’s quite ironic that Jono and I win this together, after winning a Kleemann Medal together back in 2003.” Woods attended the carnival for the first time and his WA 1 team also went through the 55s competition with three wins from as many games. Adding to that the 55-year-old won the best and fairest honour for the division and All-Australian selection. “I’ve been wanting to go for 20 years but to go away and represent your State is a proud thing,” Woods said. “I grew up watching State footy so to represent the Great Southern and win this is a big thing. “I play reserves footy still but vets is a lot harder, they still play old-fashioned footy and make sure you feel it when they hit you.” Smith played in the 60s division and was part of the undefeated WA gold team, on his way to All-Australian and fairest and best honours. The Vikings had two other players received All-Australian honours, with Joe Galantino earning the honours in the 50s and Ian Beeck in the 45s. Rod Lockett won the best-and-fairest award for his team, WA black in the 60s division. Beeck was also rewarded for a strong carnival winning best and fairest for WA gold in the 45s. Will Piercey was part of the winning WA team in the 50s division and Simon Deegan was part of the winning 45s side alongside Hall. Robert Field and Scott Donegan were the other Vikings players to compete at the national carnival. Mt Barker pair Mandie Villis and Simone Pantall played in the women’s division at the week-long championships. The event attracts teams from around Australia, with players who are turning 35 or older in that year eligible to compete. Because of COVID-19, teams from Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland had to withdraw, leaving teams from the host State plus South Australia, Northern Territory and Tasmania.