Well, well.. who’s been dragging their feet when it comes to updating the Wingman of the Year Award, huh?
Oh, it’s me. I should probably delete that first bit. Let’s pretend I didn’t say anything nd move on. Good idea.
Recognition for the specialised role of the wingmen has been scant in the AFL for the last five years. The last genuine wingman to make the All-Australian team was Andrew Gaff and that was back in 2018. Since then, despite some very impressive seasons from players like Hugh McCluggage, Paul Seedsman, and last year’s winner of The Mongrel Punt Wingman of the Year Award, Karl Amon have all failed to attract the attention of the AFL decision makers, as they have attempted to pack as many inside mids as they can into the annual team of the year.
So, a few years back, I decided to do something a little different and institute an award that tracked the wingmen each and every game throughout the season. The winners of the first three seasons are listed below.
2020 – Sam Menegola
2021 – Paul Seedsman
2022 – Karl Amon
And now, as we work our way through year four, we find last year’s runner-up, Josh Daicos, way out in front. However, there are a few capable of reeling him in as we head into the back half of the season.
So, with that in mind, let’s take a look at the leaders in the 2023 Mongrel Punt Wingman of the Year Award after Round 14.
Oh, what the hell? A Mongrel paywall? Yep, I believe my work is worth twenty cents per day. If you don’t, that’s fine. Don’t complain, though.Want to join us and access the members’ game reviews, as well as columns like the Wingman of the Year, Recruit of the Year, and other nonsensical stuff HB comes up with each week?
