Noah Connick's dedication in his first season with the Nelson Bay Marlins did not go unnoticed by the senior AFL club, nor by coaches from other teams in the Hunter and Central Coast competition.
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In its end of year awards, AFL Hunter Central Coast named 18-year-old Marlins rookie Noah Connick the winner of the Coaches Award.
"I was pretty shocked," Connick said of the recognition. "I had a few messages pop up on my phone from people congratulating me. I was pretty confused at first them saw the Facebook post saying I won the Coaches' MVP."
The award is based on points players accumulate throughout the season when coaches vote on the best three players for the opposition's team each game.
Connick won the award for the Black Diamond Cup competition.
Additionally, Nelson Bay Marlins players Chris Eddy (fullback), Craig Bird (follower) and Jayden Rymer (interchange) were named in the Black Diamond Cup Team of the Year, also based on points accumulated throughout the season.
Bird, who played for and coached the senior men's Marlins team this season, came runner up and Connick fourth for the Elliot Davey Medal. Terrigal Avoca ruckman Mitchell Price claimed the competition's best and fairest award.
Marlins president Brendan Jones said the recognition for each of the players in the league awards was well deserved.
"It's tough to standout when there are so many strong teams in the competition. We're a long way away physically, and a long way away from having influence, so it's nice to get that recognition for those guys who put in the hard work," Jones said.
Speaking about Connick's recognition, Jones said: "It's such a reward for a guy who is fearless and not intimidated by playing senior footy".
"Even though he's tall, there's not a great deal of him," Jones joked about the tall and lean Connick.
"There was a lot of big bodies running around this season and they love giving it to young up-and-coming guys. He just took it all in his stride. He was impressive in every game he played."
Connick, a centre half-forward, was one of four junior Marlins club under-17 players that made the move into the senior ranks in 2020.
He started playing AFL in Nelson Bay at the age of 11, was part of the Sydney Swans development academy and played representative football throughout his teens.
While he said it was a "big step up", that playing in the Black Diamond Cup was "a lot faster and a lot more physical" than juniors, Connick added that he enjoyed the challenge and the camaraderie of the senior Marlins team.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
