General News
14 October, 2020
Jackson Merrett claims Tuckey Medal
COBDEN export Jackson Merrett capped off one of his best football seasons by winning Peel Thunder’s Tuckey Medal on Friday night.
COBDEN export Jackson Merrett capped off one of his best football seasons by winning Peel Thunder’s Tuckey Medal on Friday night.
The 27 year-old wingman enjoyed a strong season in the WAFL, averaging 23 disposals to be the Thunder’s sole representative in the league’s Team of the Year.
But his strong season was rewarded even further when he was named Peel’s best and fairest, becoming the 24th recipient of the Tuckey Medal in the process.
Merrett said the best and fairest was a good reward for all the hard effort he put in ahead of the season.
He said the season was one of the toughest he had experienced, with COVID-19 impacting competitions all across the country.
“Obviously my main goal is to have team success and in a winless season it can be quite frustrating but to get recognised by the coaching group on an individual season is something that when I have done playing I can take a bit more pride in I suppose,” Merrett said.
“From a holistic point of view it was a frustrating year in terms of not knowing if we were having a season, the impacts of COVID, the length of the season and the length of games.
“But from an individual point of view it was just about having to adjust and shifting my mindset onto how I can develop and pass on my knowledge to the younger players that became my focus.
“In terms of consistency, it was the most consistent year of footy I’ve had at senior level to date and just getting a heap of the pill but it was disappointing not to have as much impact on the scoreboard.”
Peel Thunder senior coach Cameron Shepherd paid tribute to Merrett and said the honour was well deserved.
“Jacko has performed consistently at a high standard in 2020,” he said.
“His ability to read the play and provide an outlet as well as his ball use provided our team with many opportunities.
“He has also been part of a fine leadership group that has mentored many of our young players and his example and preparation will be appreciated by many of the young guys in the playing group.
“He is a worthy recipient of the best and fairest and I congratulate him.”