Darcy Speyer Takes out Norwood U18 B&F

Norwood Midfielder Darcy Speyer has taken out the U18 Best and Fairest Award in his first season at U18 level.

It is the second consecutive Best and Fairest honour for Speyer, who won last season’s U16 Award.

The first year U18 transitioned smoothly into the higher grade, playing all 18 matches, averaging 19 disposals at 85% efficiency.

He also laid three tackles per game and took the ball inside 50m four times on average.

His best game came against South Adelaide in Round 17 where he gathered 29 disposals, seven marks and five tackles for 111 ranking points.

Speyer finished with 64 votes at the Norwood U18 Best and Fairest on Wednesday night, ahead of runner up James van Wyk on 53 votes and Captain Luke Scott on 52.

Ruckman van Wyk (brother of senior listed player Alex van Wyk), played 16 matches, averaging 21 hitouts and 3.5 marks per game.

Scott played across half back, playing all 18 matches, averaging 16 disposals at 95% efficiency, as well as five marks and five rebound 50m.

Ned Bowman won the U18 goal kicking with 18 goals from 10 matches. Bowman split his time between Norwood, St Peter’s College and also State Football for South Australia during the U18 National Championships.

Anthony Mustaca was the U18 Fortis Player of the Year, while Balyn O’Brien received the Coaches Award.

Thomas Gribben won Norwood’s U16 Best and Fairest Award for 2024. 

Gribben split his time between ruck and defense, averaging 14 disposals, seven hitouts, three marks and three tackles per game.

James Annese played just five matches for Norwood, but had a huge impact, finishing Runner Up in the Best and Fairest Count.

Annese averaged 22 disposals, four tackles and three clearances.

Mackenzie Bishop was the Best Team Man, Co-Captain Blake Jones was recognised with the Coaches Award and Matthew Altamura received the Most Improved Trophy.