I'm looking forward to this week's announcement of the Star Search Award and no-one will be surprised that I hope the excellent judges of this award were at marvellous Broadspectrum Oval today to watch young Matthew Martin.
Now I have been accused in some quarters of 'pushing' West Adelaide players on this Forum, most notably Ryan Ferguson for the best CHB in the league. Uncharitable of my fellow posters, if you ask me, but perhaps they have a point about me being just a little biased.
Casting all bias aside, (well, nearly all) I watched Matthew Martin in defence for West Adelaide today. An 18 year old veteran of about 13 games, his opponent was Luke Cowan, a premiership player, playing as a key forward in a dominant team.
Matthew was great. He's been getting better for weeks, since Daniel Schell got him at Elizabeth earlier this year. His rebound was terrific and he managed to get the better of Luke in several one-on-one battles during the day.
Matthew was unlucky not to be last week's winner and I humbly submit that it would be a total travesty if he wasn't recognised this week.
However, I have faith in the judges, so I look forward to this week's announcement.
Unfortunately for the Bloods, but fortunately for Matty, I'm sure plenty of AFL scouts would have agreed with me today.
_________________