“A massive honour”: Darke acquires fourth Les Ash Medal

TORQUAY’S James Darke has become the second player in Bellarine Football League (BFL) history to claim a fourth Les Ash Medal.

The Tigers midfielder tallied 27 to finish six votes clear Sam Baker (Barwon Heads) ad Sam Darley (Geelong Amateur).

“It’s definitely a massive honour and I can only pay tribute to the Torquay Football Club,” Darke said after receiving the medal.

“I’m enjoying playing my footy there which makes it easier for me to execute on Saturdays and I’m looking forward to the challenge that is the finals.”

Darke’s fourth medal puts him on par with Modewarre’s Josh Finch, adding to his collection from seasons 2014, 2016 and 2021.

Darke acknowledged the achievement of matching Finch for a fourth medal, but his mindset is still very much focused on Torquay second qualifying final against Barwon Heads on Saturday.

“I’m trying to remain level and present with what’s sort of going on, but I’m sure I’ll reflect on it once the season is over,” Darke added.

“What we’re really focused on is a big game against Barwon Heads this weekend.

“It’s no secret that pressure wins finals footy and the ability to stand up under that pressure is what wins games.

“There’s no doubt they’ll look to bring the heat early and we’ll look to do the same.”

As counting began after Round 9, Darke had a three-vote lead over Drysdale favourite Ben Fennell.

But Darke secured the vote count with back-to-back best-on-ground performances to conclude the season.

“As a team this season it has been unreal, but individually I’ve just tried to remain consistent as I’ve gotten a bit older,” Darke said.

“So, that’s been what I’ve focused on, and I feel like I’ve done that.”

Torquay enjoyed a lot of success on the night with six Tigers selected to the Team of the Year.

Darke was joined by Paul McMahon Ben McNamara, Billy Henderson, seniors rookie Michael Croxford and Sheldon Ham. Dom Gleeson was also named coach of the year.

Drysdale’s Lauchie Dalgleish, James Breust and Ben Fennell were also named to the squad, while Modewarre’s forward Tom Hornsey acquired a spot up front.

Barwon Heads marksman Nathan Brown and teammate Sammy Baker carried the torch for the Gulls.

League-leading goalkicker Mat Hebbard and Warriors defender Morgan Fenton earned second selections.

Jordan Keras (Anglesea) and Sam Darley (Geelong Amateur) were named to the squad for the first time.

Ocean Grove’s Kye Annand was named ruckman and Newcomb captain Brenton Rees rounded out the side.

Top 10 vote-getters:

1. James Darke (Torquay) – 27 votes
2. Sam Darley (Geelong Amateur) – 21 votes
3. Sammy Baker (Barwon Heads) – 21 votes
4. Ben Fennell (Drysdale) – 20 votes
5. Jeremy Ollis (Modewarre) – 17 votes
6. Jordan Keras (Anglesea) – 17 votes
7. Ryan Williams (Anglesea) – 15 votes
8. Tom Ruggles (Drysdale) – 15 votes
9. James Breust (Drysdale) – 12 votes
10. Mat Hebbard (Drysdale)  – 12 votes

Modewarre’s Leigh Anderson and Torquay’s Nick Garner were named co-winners of the Don Cole Medal for the BFL’s reserves competition.