Hard-nosed Fremantle rookie Jacob Ballard has finished runner-up to Brendon Jones in Peel Thunder’s best and fairest count for the Tuckey Medal.

Jones took out the award after being brought out of retirement at the request of coach Cam Shepherd, and his leadership of a young and inexperienced midfield was outstanding.

It was a remarkable season for 19-year-old Ballard, averaging 24 disposals a game in his first full senior year of WAFL.

A big-bodied midfielder who was pick 47 in the Rookie Draft, Ballard had a slow start to the season due to injury but still managed 19 games, only dropping below 20 possessions on three occasions.His strength at the contest was evident with 64 tackles for the season, the most at the Thunder, while Fremantle teammate Matt Taberner booted 18 goals to be the side’s leading goal kicker.

Fremantle youngster Sam Menegola was recognised as the league side’s most consistent player and he showed his adaptability by tagging in the midfield, as well as curbing some of the league’s best forwards.

Local favourite Anthony Morabito was recognised as an inspiration to the club by winning the Tom Stone Medal for overcoming adversity.

Morabito came back from three knee reconstructions to force his way into a powerful Fremantle side in Darwin earlier this year, and his outstanding performances for the Thunder provided plenty of inspiration to the club.

Peel’s Eddie Dann took out the Coach’s Award, Dylan Winton was named the Arthur Marshall Young Player of the Year and Matt Brown was named the Players’ Player.

Rod Hazel’s contribution to the Peel Thunder Football Club and as WAFL Combined Past Players and Officials Association president was also recognised when he was named the best club person.