GSFL 2023: Tigers’ Milan Jaggi runaway winner in Gillies count, Lions’ Cooper Edwards claims Proudlove Medal

Railways midfielder Milan Jaggi capped a brilliant individual season by winning the Rod Gillies Medal in a dominant vote count for the Great Southern Football League’s best and fairest colts player on Wednesday night. Jaggi was a runaway winner, of the coveted gong, polling 23 votes across 11 games with his nearest rivals Harvey Taylor (Albany), Kaizen Beeck (Royals) and Marlon Mastalerz (Denmark-Walpole) finishing together in second place on 11 votes. The crafty midfielder was part of a Tigers side that progressed to a preliminary final after an 18-point win in the elimination final against Denmark-Walpole on Sunday. The young gun also won last season’s Warrick Proudlove Medal for the best player in the 16s competition. Jaggi said a focus on consistent footy was a driving force behind his stellar season. “I just tried to stay consistent and I got plenty of help from my coaches this year — I feel like they were really helpful,” he said. “They didn’t put much pressure on me, they just allowed me to play my game with freedom. “I think I’ve been a lot cleaner this year compared to last year. “I’ve stepped up in that way. “I’ve had a bit more of a team-approach this year, trying my best to give that first option off when it’s there.” “As a team we’re going really well this year.” The 17-year-old has ambitions to further his football career in Perth “Playing in Perth has always been something I’ve wanted to do so hopefully I get an opportunity to go up there, I’d love it,” Jaggi said. North Albany’s Benjamin Queay (nine votes) rounded out the top five. Star Royals midfielder Cooper Edwards claimed the 2023 Warrick Proudlove Medal with 19 votes to edge out Railways’ Brock Lathbury (16) and Albany’s Jesse Owens (16). Railways’ Robert Farmer (15) and Albany’s Hudson Ramm (14) were fourth and fifth. Edwards, 15, played all 15 of the home-and-away fixtures and said a strong preseason helped him succeed. “I put in a bit of a work in a preseason and it paid off. I play midfield but can also go back or forward sometimes,” Edwards said. “One of the highlights is making it to the finals. Team success is always the main goal. “I want to keep playing footy. “The goal is to really play up in Perth in the next few years.” Royals’ Jayden-Paul Devenish (28 goals) finished as the winner of the colts leading goal kicker award, while Buddy Robinson (46) won the award in the 16s. 2023 Rod Gillies Medal 23 votes: Milan Jaggi (Railways) 11: Harvey Taylor (Albany) Kaizen Beeck (Royals) Marlon Mastalerz (Denmark-Walpole) 9: Benjamin Queay (North Albany) Cleve Humphries (Royals) 7: Shane Ugle (Royals) Aiden Clark (Albany) Caleb Haua (Railways) 6: Jed Schwarzbach (Denmark-Walpole) 2023 Warrick Proudlove Medal 19 votes: Cooper Edwards (Royals) 16: Brock Lathbury (Railways) Jesse Owens (Albany) 15: Robert Farmer (Railways) 14: Hudson Ramm (Albany) Natale Trichilo (Royals) 13: James Taylor (Albany) Jhye Bennett (Denmark-Walpole)12: Jared Ballard (Mt Barker) 10: Ryan Hick (Denmark-Walpole)