Goulburn Valley exports shine at state league level

By Daniel Webb

Sep 27, 2022

Standout year: Shepparton export Harry Boyd helped Norwood lift the SANFL premiership. Photo by DAVID MARIUZ

A quartet of Goulburn Valley football exports have been recognised for standout seasons, with Shepparton’s Harry Boyd, Shepparton United’s Jye Chalcraft, Rochester’s Joe Atley and Benalla’s Tom Downie all picking up club best-and-fairest gongs.

Plying his trade in the South Australian National Football League, Boyd added to his Jack Oately Medal (best-on-ground in the grand final) by picking up Norwood’s club best-and-fairest award.

Before helping the Redlegs to victory in the big dance, the ruckman played a key role across the year. Fellow 2018 Shepparton premiership player Nik Rokhar came second in both the club and league’s best-and-fairest award.

Speaking after his side secured the SANFL flag, Boyd told sanfl.com.au it had been an “unbelievable” year, with the talent surprised to take out the grand final best-on-ground award.

“It (winning the medal) just didn’t come into my mind, to be honest,” Boyd said.

“I thought Matt Panos played really well, Nik Rokahr worked hard all day, so I didn’t really think I was a chance to be honest and it was a great surprise when it did happen.”

Good times: Rochester’s Joe Atley won Essendon’s VFL best-and-fairest award. Photo by Bruce Povey

Joining Boyd on the list of best-and-fairest winners is a fellow Deakin Reserve alumni.

Former Shepparton United talent Chalcraft was recognised for his exploits in Geelong colours, securing the club’s Victorian Football League best-and-fairest award.

Named in the side’s best players consistently, the 21-year-old averaged 23 disposals and four tackles a game in the midfield.

The Cats’ talent was not the only VFL export recognised, with Benalla’s Tom Downie winning Williamstown’s award and Rochester’s Joe Atley securing Essendon’s top gong.

A 29-year-old ruckman, Downie picked up the Gerry Callahan Medal after an amazing season.

Also named on the bench of the league’s team of the season, Downie was a shining light for the Seagulls as the side finished second-last on the ladder.

Over at Windy Hill, Atley stood out above the rest for the Bombers, impressing in his 17 VFL games, while also standing out in his four Goulburn Valley League appearances.