It’s a nice prize to win, but North Launceston coach Taylor Whitford has his eyes firmly fixated on the end game.
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The 26-year-old took out his second media-voted Tasmanian State League player of the year award along side joint Glenorchy winner Daniel Joseph on Monday, with the pair locked on 18 votes apiece.
However, first-year coach Whitford was more focused on plotting his side’s path to a fourth premiership in five seasons.
The pair were tied on 16 votes heading into the final round and both received a couple for their efforts against Lauderdale and Launceston, respectively.
Mariners captain and Blues midfield bull Chayce Jones finished outright second despite only playing the last five games of the season.
“Personal awards are something you look back on later on life, its got nothing to do with how the team’s playing and my role coaching,” Whitford, a two-time premiership captain, said.
“My work load has really picked up this year. Being coach you’re first there every session and are last to leave with all the planning that goes into it.
“But it’s something I relish and the added pressure has been good for me.
“Game day as a playing coach I see my responsibility as a player first and foremost to get the job done and I’m lucky to have such and experienced and trusted group of assistant coaches to help me out.”
Whitford, who won the award in 2015, has kicked 29 goals this season running through the middle and resting up forward for lengthy periods.
Joseph has had a brilliant season for the Magpies in defence after returning to Tasmania this season following a successful stint with NEAFL side Aspley Hornets.
Journalists from The Examiner and The Mercury supplied three, two and one after every TSL match to determine the winners, who received $2500 cash and a $2500 RACT travel package.
ROUND 21 VOTES
Launceston v Glenorchy
3 – Chayce Jones (Launceston)
2 – Daniel Joseph (Glenorchy)
1 – Harrison Gunther (Glenorchy)
Lauderdale v North L’ton
3 – Josh McGuinness (L’dale)
2 – Taylor Whitford (North L’ton)
1 – Mark Walsh (North L’ton)
Clarence v Tigers
3 – Brady Jones (Clarence)
2 – Marcus Davies (Tigers)
1 – Ryan Edmondson (Clarence)
FINAL TALLY
18: Daniel Joseph (Glenorchy), Taylor Whitford (North Launceston); 12: Chayce Jones (Launceston); 11: Josh Ponting (North Launceston); 10: Ryan Bailey (Clarence), Tom Bennett (North Launceston), Jake Cox, Brady Jones (Clarence), Phil Bellchambers (Lauderdale), Jaye Bowden (Glenorchy); 9: Rulla Kelly-Mansell (Launceston).
PREVIOUS WINNERS
2017 – Jaye Bowden
2016 – Jaye Bowden
2015 – Taylor Whitford
2014 – Jaye Bowden
2013 – Mitch Thorp
2012 – Luke Shackleton
2011 – Cameron Thurley
2010 – Scott Stephens
2009 – Jeromey Webberley
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