Todd Bryant’s dream debut in Queensland footy continued last weekend, with the 23 year-old winning Palm Beach’s best and fairest.
Bryant, who came to the Lions from the Wodonga Raiders in the Ovens and Murray League this season, made an immediate impact in their midfield, flourishing in the contests.
The Victorian took out the major gong comfortably, over Lions captain, Jesse Derrick, with defender, Josh Woolley finishing third.
While he thought he might feature in the top contenders for the award, Bryant said he was surprised to clinch what was in the end a comfortable win.
“I thought I’d be a chance to be in the top three, but the results just kind of fell my way, so I’m stoked,” he said.
“I think the most pleasing thing was performing in my first year at the club,” he said.
“I’ve had a very enjoyable year and the boys just made it so easy and the coaching staff with Cressa (Daryn Cresswell), Mark Hay and Chad Owens.”
Bryant said the welcoming nature of the Lions had helped him to one of his best individual seasons, on the way to his second club best and fairest , to go with his 20011 win at the Wodonga Raiders.
“On an individual level , one of my strongest years- I ‘m getting to that that age, where I should be playing pretty consistent football
“This year been my most enjoyable and that has a lot to do with the culture.”
Bryant was a double winner on the night, claiming the players’ player award, after his impressive season.
Youngster, Jed Harrison, took out the “one percenters” defence award and the coaches’ award, for his consistency in the Lions’ back line this season.
Tyler Cornish’s strong finish to the year saw him take out the Best Player in Finals, while Brad Scheer won the Future Lion Award.
It was a thrilling count in the Lions reserves, with Michael Harvey waiting until the final round to clinch the award, over Oscar Jones.
Bryant is still mulling over his options for 2015, but says he doesn’t see himself leaving the South-East corner.
“I love it up here, I can’t see myself leaving,” he said.
“I’m kind of still weighing up my options for next year, whether I look at Southport or stay with Palm Beach, but I haven’t really thought about it too much.”
