Hull of a year for Clear winner

Three best-on ground performances in the first three rounds of the Farrer League season set East Wagga-Kooringal ruckman Nick Hull on course to claim a massive win in the Gerald Clear Medal count on Monday night.

In one of the most dominant wins in the history of the medal, Hull polled in 12 of his 16 games to take a landslide victory and be named the best and fairest of the Farrer League.

In nine of those games he claimed the maximum three points to finish on 32, twice as many of his nearest rivals.

The Rock-Yerong Creek pair David Pieper and Tom Yates polled late votes to finish in a tie for second.

North Wagga’s Lachlan Highfield and North Jets’ Mitch Haddrill rounded out the top five on 15 votes.

Haddrill was Hull’s nearest rival in the early stages of the count, with both polling in their first four games.

After four rounds Hull had a four-vote lead over Haddrill and that had swelled to seven at the halfway point.

The 23-year-old then polled in six of the last nine rounds to complete an impressive season.

Not only dominant in the ruck this year for the minor premiers, but Hull’s ability to move forward has been the catalyst for a standout season.

With a full pre-season under his belt following back surgery before the start of the 2015 season, the 23-year-old has also made his big presence felt up forward.

He booted 29 goals in the 16 regular season games and hasn’t stopped there.

Hull then stood tall to book the Hawks a place in the grand final after two important goals in the second semi-final on Sunday.

Meanwhile, The Rock-Yerong’s Creek Scott Wolter scored a narrow win in the reserve grade count.

There was little between Wolter and North Wagga’s Kyle Cross for most of the count before the Magpies captain earned three points in round 15 to lead by three points.

It was the last round either polled a vote.

Marrar young gun Jack Reynolds took out under 17 best and fairest honours.

Reynolds polled best-on performances in the first half of the season and seven overall to defeat teammate Jed Jenkins by eight votes.

Temora’s Jacob Turner was named the rising star while North Wagga claimed the club championship.

Coleambally president Shane Mannes was named volunteer of the year while fellow Blue Glen Tooth was named coach of the year.