GSFL 2024: WA State country star Bailey Taylor clinches first best and fairest honour with Albany Sharks

WA State country midfielder Bailey Taylor capped off a stellar season in his first year at the Sharks, winning their best and fairest gong at the club awards night on September 14. The versatile big-bodied midfielder finished with 116 votes, a whopping 30 ahead of classy forward and Alan Barnett medallist Isaac Baum (86 votes) in second. Prolific intercepting defender Kane Pinney finished narrowly in third on 82 votes, 2023 winner Bryce Blaszkow (75 votes) was fourth and 2023 Kleemann medallist Robbie Lee (50) rounded out the top five. Taylor had an outstanding season, winning a premiership while also playing State football again and being named in the midfield of the Albany Advertiser Great Southern Football League Team of the Year. Pinney also won the club’s most consistent, emerging key defender Gus Bockman won the coaches award and fellow backman Aiden Clark was named the best under-21 player. Dashing winger Brock Anning was named best utility, Sean Plaisted trophy winner Brett Peake was recognised at the club’s leading goal-kicker with 68 majors and Baum was named best player in the finals. Veteran Ash Sanders took out the reserves best and fairest gong and colts clearance machine and Rod Gillies medallist Jesse Owens was named best and fairest for the colts while James Taylor was awarded the 16s best and fairest. In other awards Max Grimes was young clubman, Marlin Bennett was senior clubman, Bevie Collier was named clubperson of the year and Lisa Gwynn received the spirit of a shark award. Jack Bunker was recognised with Sharks life membership.