Star trio from successful Ongerup team named Allstars after stellar performances at country football champs

Tough midfielder Luke Bairstow is a three-time winner of the prestigious Bud Byfield Medal after he was rewarded for a stellar three days with Ongerup at the Nutrien Ag Solutions Country Football Championships. Bairstow was named the best and fairest player across the division two competition at the annual country championships on Sunday, following Ongerup’s grand final win at the WACA. The 33-year-old from Lake Grace-Pingrup won the medal in 2019 and 2013, and was again highly influential as Ongerup went through the carnival undefeated. Bairstow was one of three players from the Ongerup Football Association named in the Allstars side at the conclusion of the championships. Dominant key forward Lewis Davis (Gnowangerup) and star ball winner Fraser House (Gnowangerup) were also named in the 22-man Allstars, picked from teams competing in both senior divisions. Ongerup coach Chris Walker praised carnival stalwart Bairstow’s performance. “Luke just loves the carnival,” he said. “He brings the attitude of a 25-year-old and the enthusiasm of a 21-year-old. “He is an outstanding performer in the OFA but he goes to another level at the carnival. “His inside (midfield) work is unmatched really. “It’s top notch and he is consistently good in every game.” Ongerup secured their place in Sunday’s decider after four straight wins in their qualifying matches on Friday and Saturday. At East Fremantle Oval on Saturday, Ongerup trailed by three points at half-time in their opening clash with Mortlock but kicked two second-half goals to win by 12 points. Ongerup had a strong start in their second game against Central Midlands Coast but the latter hit back and levelled the scores in the second half. Two goals from Davis and singles from Jayden Brooks and House helped Ongerup to a thrilling five-point win to remain unbeaten. On the second day of the seniors, Ongerup secured their place in the grand final with a thumping 85-point win over North Midlands at East Fremantle Oval. In two halves of 20 minutes Ongerup kicked 14 goals on their way to a dominant victory as Davis starred with six goals. Bairstow was also terrific, while George Bungey (three goals) and playmaker Campbell Floyd also had plenty of influence as Ongerup marched to a third straight win. In wet and slippery conditions, Ongerup completed their qualifying games with a hard-fought 22-point win over Gascoyne. Davis kicked two goals, Hayden Ritcher and Chris Wollaston added singles while House, Floyd and half-back Tyson Prater played key roles in the result. COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS ALLSTARS Samuel Lewis (SWFL) Callum Garcia (UGSFL) Justin Joyce (UGSFL) Mitch Tenardi (SWFL) Jordan Delbridge (GFL) Bruno Daulkner (PNFL) Joseph Ugle (NMFL) Lachy Mouritz (EDFL) Matthew Dinsdale (CWFL) Bill Corderoy (MFL) Patrick Farrant (SWFL) Matt Rogers (AFA) Courtney Lakay (PNFL) Luke Bairstow (OFA) Fraser House (OFA) Jarryd Morton (AFA) Isaac Devitt-Boyd (CMCFL) Fraser Daly (GFA) Lewis Davis (OFA) Tom Lee (AFA) Tyson Wood (SWFL) Zac Trigwell (SWFL) Coach: Chris Kinninmont (SWFL)