Jade Gresham has added to the Northern Knights’ rich history in the TAC Cup Coaches Award by comfortably taking out the 2015 version, presented at the Morrish Medal night on Sunday.
The 18-year-old Knights captain became the seventh player in the club’s 24-year history to claim the award, which is based on a system of 5-4-3-2-1 voting done by both coaches in combination after each game.
Gresham – a talent of the South Morang Football Club – finished one vote behind Murray Bushranger Clayton Oliver in the Morrish Medal count – as the best and fairest player in the TAC Cup.
But turned the tables in the Coaches Award, finishing on 39 votes – eight ahead of Oliver.
Bendigo Pioneers ball-magnet Lachie Tardrew finished third on 24 votes, ahead of Calder Cannon Bruno Laguda on 23, and Eastern Ranges pair Ryan Clarke and Anthony Brolic on 22.
Gresham polled in 10 of his 13 games played, including five-vote performances in wins against the Sandringham Dragons (Round 3), Bendigo (Round 17) and the Gippsland Power (Round 18), and five four-vote matches.
He booted 15 goals while averaging over 29 disposals and almost five tackles per game in 2015, and was ranked no.2 in the league for total kicks.
Throughout the year Gresham was named in the U/18 All Australian following his performances for Vic Metro in the NAB AFL U/18 National Carnival.
He also won the Vic Metro U/18 Academy MVP as their best player in this year’s National Championships.
Gresham was also selected in the centre of the TAC Cup Team of the Year.
2015 TAC CUP COACHES AWARD
Jade Gresham (Northern Knights) – 39 votes
Clayton Oliver (Murray Bushrangers) – 31 votes
Lachie Tardrew (Bendigo Pioneers) – 24 votes
Bruno Laguda (Calder Cannons) – 23 votes
Ryan Clarke (Eastern Ranges) – 22 votes
Anthony Brolic (Eastern Ranges) – 22 votes
