19/10/01
CARLTON midfielder Jim Plunkett is today the toast of football, after last night being crowned 2001 Red Rover medallist. He won the prestigious award from teammate Adrian Hickmott and Geelong youngster, Cameron Ling. Demons star and 2000 winner, Peter Walsh was on hand to present Plunkett with his medallion in a gala evening, hosted by inaugural Red Rover medallist, Neville Bruns.
The result continues the Blues’ impressive showing at the award following Lance Whitnall’s 1999 ‘Big’ Red Rover win for his members’ salute after kicking the goal that grounded the Bombers, while Adrian Gleeson was another red Blue to taste success on football’s night of nights.
Plunkett was the clear standout in one of the best ever fields in the award’s 12-year history, particularly given the quality of players declared ineligible as past winners, notable premiership captain, Michael Voss.
Other past winners to attend the event included Lions teammate, Justin Leppitsch, who famously won the award for sticking his finger up at a channel seven camera, while Crow Ben Hart, Cat Tim McGrath, former Swan Leon Higgins and former Saint Jason Daniels, also made appearances.
It is believed Plunkett’s performance against Adelaide in the Elimination Final in the end proved the difference in taking the award from improved hard-man, Adrian Hickmott. One judge was full of praise for the ex-Bulldog; “he’s a worthy winner,” the anonymous panel member said last night. “Jim displayed all the qualities synonymous with the Red Rover legend. He runs straight at the ball, is honest, hardworking and courageous, a real polished performer.”
Controversial guest of honour Jason Akermanis was met with a mixed reception from the 1500-strong crowd when welcome by host Bruns. It seemed some Red Rover purists still resent Aker’s defection from likely Red Rover stardom, in pursuit of the Bleached Blonde medal, otherwise referred to as the Brownlow.
In a surprise announcement at last night’s lavished event, recently retired Eagles great, Guy McKenna was inducted into the Red Rover Hall of Fame. Upon accepting the honour, ‘Bluey’ was again refusing to rule out a possible return senior football. “I feel I still have something to offer the Eagles,” the former skipper said. “It’ll be reliant on me getting through a full pre-season, but I’m taking it one step at a time. Mad Monday was tough, but I’ve pulled up ok and I’m now focussing on the end of season trip, which will be the real test with Woosha now at the helm.”
The night didn’t all go as planned however, with fiery forward Gary Moorcroft showing his disappointment at his modest fifth placing. It is alleged the Bomber star stood up and began hurling abuse at the panel of judges once the result became clear. When approached by security guards, Moorcroft fell to the ground clutching his jaw. Witnesses claim no contact was made. It rounds off a difficult week for Moorcroft, still reeling from the news he is no longer required at the club where he became a premiership player just 12 months ago. It has been reported Moorcroft earmarked Carlton as his preferred club before being escorted out by police.
Despite the drama, host Neville Bruns still saw fit to call the event “the best Red Rover medal night ever,” or at least the best since he won the award for hitting Dipper and running around like a maniac in a Grand Final without having any influence on the match.
The celebrations continued on into the early hours of the morning with heavy drinking and numerous fistfights involving current and past players a feature.
CARLTON midfielder Jim Plunkett is today the toast of football, after last night being crowned 2001 Red Rover medallist. He won the prestigious award from teammate Adrian Hickmott and Geelong youngster, Cameron Ling. Demons star and 2000 winner, Peter Walsh was on hand to present Plunkett with his medallion in a gala evening, hosted by inaugural Red Rover medallist, Neville Bruns.
The result continues the Blues’ impressive showing at the award following Lance Whitnall’s 1999 ‘Big’ Red Rover win for his members’ salute after kicking the goal that grounded the Bombers, while Adrian Gleeson was another red Blue to taste success on football’s night of nights.
Plunkett was the clear standout in one of the best ever fields in the award’s 12-year history, particularly given the quality of players declared ineligible as past winners, notable premiership captain, Michael Voss.
Other past winners to attend the event included Lions teammate, Justin Leppitsch, who famously won the award for sticking his finger up at a channel seven camera, while Crow Ben Hart, Cat Tim McGrath, former Swan Leon Higgins and former Saint Jason Daniels, also made appearances.
It is believed Plunkett’s performance against Adelaide in the Elimination Final in the end proved the difference in taking the award from improved hard-man, Adrian Hickmott. One judge was full of praise for the ex-Bulldog; “he’s a worthy winner,” the anonymous panel member said last night. “Jim displayed all the qualities synonymous with the Red Rover legend. He runs straight at the ball, is honest, hardworking and courageous, a real polished performer.”
Controversial guest of honour Jason Akermanis was met with a mixed reception from the 1500-strong crowd when welcome by host Bruns. It seemed some Red Rover purists still resent Aker’s defection from likely Red Rover stardom, in pursuit of the Bleached Blonde medal, otherwise referred to as the Brownlow.
In a surprise announcement at last night’s lavished event, recently retired Eagles great, Guy McKenna was inducted into the Red Rover Hall of Fame. Upon accepting the honour, ‘Bluey’ was again refusing to rule out a possible return senior football. “I feel I still have something to offer the Eagles,” the former skipper said. “It’ll be reliant on me getting through a full pre-season, but I’m taking it one step at a time. Mad Monday was tough, but I’ve pulled up ok and I’m now focussing on the end of season trip, which will be the real test with Woosha now at the helm.”
The night didn’t all go as planned however, with fiery forward Gary Moorcroft showing his disappointment at his modest fifth placing. It is alleged the Bomber star stood up and began hurling abuse at the panel of judges once the result became clear. When approached by security guards, Moorcroft fell to the ground clutching his jaw. Witnesses claim no contact was made. It rounds off a difficult week for Moorcroft, still reeling from the news he is no longer required at the club where he became a premiership player just 12 months ago. It has been reported Moorcroft earmarked Carlton as his preferred club before being escorted out by police.
Despite the drama, host Neville Bruns still saw fit to call the event “the best Red Rover medal night ever,” or at least the best since he won the award for hitting Dipper and running around like a maniac in a Grand Final without having any influence on the match.
The celebrations continued on into the early hours of the morning with heavy drinking and numerous fistfights involving current and past players a feature.
