Deidre Jakavicius Medal – Preview

With the first DJ Medal up for grabs since 2015, the count is shaping up to be a tightly contested affair with such an even spread of talent across the QFAW Senior Womens team in 2020.

In anticipation of tonights count, let’s take a closer look at some of the main contenders;

Jaimee Newton-Smith (VC) – #3

Jaimee Newton-Smith spent significant minutes as a defender which isn’t the typical spot to collect votes, however she is expected to poll strongly given her exceptional rebound from half-back while also being versatile and playing pivotal roles across the midfield and forward-line. In her first season of senior football, Newton-Smith has established herself as one of the most effective tacklers in the league, frequently utilising her athleticism to mow down opponents and win back the ball for the team.

Selina Prevolsek #10

The sort of player you would love to have on your team but hate to play against, Selina Prevolsek was a major contributor in all of the games that she played. When the going got tough, Prevolsek got to work with her bullish inside work helping the team to secure two consecutive 1-point wins against Jimboomba and Morningside. Prevolsek was dominant across the field with her marking, penetrating kicking and tackling invaluable. Selina was incredibly unfortunate to have her season cut short in Round 5 suffering a broken finger against Beenleigh which kept her in the runners uniform for the remainder of the year.

Samantha Chisholm (C) #14

Captain, Sammy Chisholm had a stellar first season at Sherwood. Chisholm led from the front, missing just the one game with injury it was her trademark run and carry that broke the lines and got the crowd (even the opposition at times) excited. Chisholm’s ability to break a game open meant that opposition coaches would attempt to put a tag on her each week. Despite the significant attention, Chisholm worked exceptionally hard to break these tags and also hit the scoreboard finishing 3rd in the league goal kicking.   

Tina Higginson #32

Tina Higginson was another consistent performer this season following her relocation to Brisbane just prior to the transfer window from Kew Bears. Tina was able to contribute much needed experience and polish around the ground and forged a reputation as a mercurial goal sneak in some clutch moments. Growing in confidence week on week, Tina was one of the best performers in the preliminary final and was a deceptively strong contested mark for her size.  

Samara Mahoney (DVC) #8

Reigning 2 x QFAW league medallist Samara Mahoney is expected to be right into the mix for a maiden DJ Medal given her ultra-consistent season. Mahoney played all 9 matches and hit the scoreboard with 6 goals alternating time between the midfield and then resting as a dangerous small forward. Mahoney is a contested ball weapon with clean skills on both sides and excellent speed. She took her game to another level this year with more composed ball use and also finished off her hard work hitting the scoreboard with regularity. 

Renee King #38

The neutral observer wouldn’t pick it, but this was Renee King’s first year of senior football. The ultimate utility, King came to the club late arriving after round 1 due to her work schedule and then proceeded to set the training track alight before earning her stripes on permit with Moorooka before finally making her debut for Sherwood in a standout Round 4 performance against Jimboomba. After impressing on the half-back flank, King pushed into the midfield and forward line earning a reputation as a no-nonsense player capable of causing damage from anywhere on the field.  

The board has also commissioned the Cherie Morrison Medal for the first time. Cherie was a tireless volunteer and servant of the Sherwood Magpies and her primary focus at all times was the welfare of the players, so it was fitting that the the award is selected by the players to the teammate that best personifies values of selflessness, dedication and courage.