Leading the way: Finley export Tom Hawkins was gifted All-Australian captaincy for the first time. Photos: AAP
Two of the Goulburn Valley League’s premier AFL exports were rewarded for their outstanding seasons on Wednesday night, with Mooroopna’s Clayton Oliver and Finley’s Tom Hawkins unveiled as members of the 2022 All-Australian line-up.
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Hawkins was named captain of the AFL’s team of the year for the first time, in his fifth All-Australian selection.
The Geelong forward was accompanied by several teammates, with Tyson Stengle joining him in the forward pocket, while Jeremy Cameron, Tom Stewart and Mark Blicavs made up the rest of the Cats contingent.
Hawkins joins Gary Ablett Sr as the only player in history to be selected in the All-Australian side four times after the age of 30.
Oliver clinched his third All-Australian call-up and received the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year award alongside Gold Coast’s Touk Miller.
Oliver was also runner-up for the Leigh Matthews Trophy behind Fremantle’s Andrew Brayshaw, who claimed his first trophy.
Demons head coach Simon Goodwin said there was no one more deserving of the champion player award.
“Clayton’s desire to be great, teamed with an enormous will to win and his ability to perform at consistently high levels, has seen him produce another unbelievable season,” Goodwin told Melbourne media.
“To be recognised by the coaches as their champion player for a second straight season, an award I believe is the best a player can receive, is a real credit to Clayton.
“He is thoroughly deserving of the recognition and I couldn’t be prouder of how he goes about bringing his best for the team week in, week out.”
The Mooroopna export led the league for average disposals this year (33.5), contested possessions (17.7) and clearances (8.7).
Stars: Clayton Oliver and Touk Miller were joint winners of the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award.
