Image: Graeme Furlong/ Graphic: Wayne Unwin
It comes as perhaps no surprise that the two players voted in and selected by media as the two standouts of August were the ones to lead their side to promotion positions. In Darren Lewis’ case, his form at the back helped North Geelong concede just the solitary goal over that period, keeping pace with St Albans at the top but breaking away from the trailing pack to finish second (their promotion chase continues on the weekend). Ryan McGuffie was also the rock at the back to keep three clean sheets but also add two vital goals to St Albans’ campaign.
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Fan voted: Darren Lewis (North Geelong Warriors)
The stats say it all. North Geelong had conceded only once in the final month, and the fewest in the league overall for the season. Whereas strikers often get the plaudits, not so in this case as the backline was praised in equal measure at the club this month. Lewis was singled for a leading defensive role that led to four clean sheets and allowed the club’s forwards to do the job at the other end. Monstered some of his opposing strikers as he helped himself to 25.48% of the total vote.
Media voted: Ryan McGuffie (St Albans Saints)
Gets the usual plaudits for his performances but perhaps it’s no surprise given the figures – this month he scored twice to remarkably cement his place as St Albans’ golden boot. Those two goals he scored also matched the same amount of goals St Albans conceded in the same period, which is also quite an incredible stat in itself. Given his history as a midfielder as well, McGuffie’s penchant for goals as a centre-back may be less of a surprise, but his all-round contribution this month (and season) is no doubt a key contributor to the club’s overall promotion.