Shepparton Swans export Jarman Impey earned his maiden All Australian selection.
Photo by
ROB PREZIOSO
From Shepparton to the All-Australian Team.
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Katandra and Shepparton product Lachie Ash and Shepparton Swans contemporary Jarman Impey scooped inaugural All-Australian blazers at Tuesday evening’s AFL Awards night in Melbourne, capping off what has been career-best campaigns for both players.
The former Goulburn Valley League and Murray Bushrangers duo were both named in the backline of the final 23-player team, while Mooroopna's Clayton Oliver — a three-time All-Australian — was named in the initial 46-player squad.
Impey’s inclusion comes on the back of his very own maiden inclusion in the initial squad, the 31-year-old’s first nomination of his 13-season career after averaging 23 disposals, seven marks, and setting new career-bests across the board for the finals-bound Hawks.
“I reckon when I played my 100th game, I started to think I belonged out there,” said to Fox Footy post his selection.
“It probably took me 100 games and five or six years in the system to get entrenched in it all.
“(Sam Mitchell) has been a huge influence on me; he lets me play with absolute freedom, I know deep down I’ve got his full support.”
Former Bears star Lachie Ash claimed his first All-Australian blazer.
Photo by
Matt Turner
Meanwhile, Ash is no stranger to the All-Australian chatter,
The crafty defensive running machine was named in last year’s wider squad, but there was no denying the Giants’ talisman this time around after a season where he was rated in the AFL’s top 10 for disposals, marks, and rebound 50s.
In truth, we probably should have seen this coming; Ash started his season with best-on-ground honours in the State of Origin clash against WA, an experience he admits he took great confidence out of.
“That was an unbelievable weekend, I really enjoyed myself over there,” Ash said.
“I took a lot of confidence out of that into the start of the year.
“The year probably hasn’t gone the way we wanted it to as a club, which is disappointing.
“It’s a privilege to be up here, there’s some great players up here and some better ones to follow.
“It’s an honour, but I’d love to be running out on the weekend.”
For Impey, he still has a large role to play in the season ahead.
Hawthorn is bound for Perth to face minor premiers Fremantle in next Thursday’s Qualifying Final, with a Preliminary Final spot on the line for the winner.
Meanwhile, Jagga Smith, son of former Cobram premiership player and Murray league O’Dwyer Medallist Michael Smith, took out the AFL’s Rising Star award.
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