2009 Man of the Match (MVP) Awards

2009 Man of the Match (MVP) Awards

July 25th vs. Philadelphia Fight
Craig Howitt

Craig Howitt put in his best performance of the season to help the Axemen secure their firstr ever undefeated regular season. Every carry he had was with power and at full speed and his defence was solid all day long. He had a mistake free game and made yardage seem easy as he powered his way up the field on many occasions.

July 18 vs. Bucks County Sharks
Brian McLogan

“Mickey” McLogan did everything right in a game that clinch the Axemen home field advantage for the playoffs. He had a mistake free day to ensure the 64 to 8 win over the Sharks to keep the Axemen undefeated and also played a big part the biggest score of the season. His performance will cement him in the side to travel to Philly this coming weekend

July 11 vs. Philadelphia Fight
Daryl “Spinner” Howland

In a tough encounter that saw the Axemen play some moments with only 11 players after three of them spent time in the Sin Bin, Spinner showed that maturity and experience can be the difference on the field. He lead the team during moments that needed some heavy defense and managed a few line breaks at times in offense. He showed that being a veteran can be important and settled the team into more controlled play during moments of madness that allowed the Axemen to come away with a good win after a poor first half.

June 27 vs. New Haven Warriors
Apple Pope

On a day that needed 100% commitment from every Axemen player to put their bodies on the line, Apple Pope did that and then some. Although playing at Hooker for ball distribution he also managed a number of hit ups when the other forwards tired and he took a number of runs from dummy half to take pressure of the bigger guys. His defense was solid as always as he punished the Warriors ball carriers all game. His overall performance seen him do his job and also help with the workload of those around him

June 20 vs. New York Knights
Taco Pope

In a game that seen the Axemen challenged more than recent weeks, Taco Pope provided a much needed tough physical presence. He run with aggression every time he touched the ball and his defense was nothing short of powerful all game long. Most tackles ended up with the ball carrier losing a yard or two after contact was made. His ability to give 100% for all 80 minutes is something that the Axemen found very impressive under the 100 degree heat

June 13 vs. Fairfax Eagles
Brent Shorten

Aussie import Brent Shorten had a hand in almost every try the Axemen scored as well as getting one for himself in addition to the extras he gave the team with the conversions. His defense was also mistake free as he bought down every player that run near him. He was easily the dominant player on the field and the Man of the Match award was as easy choice after the game.

June 6 vs. Boston 13’s
Matt Clark

Axemen rookie Matt Clark wasted no time in showing the team why he will be someone that is here to make a mark on the season with his efforts in Beantown. Matt run and tackled with 100% effort all game. His powerful runs attracted multiple defenders to stop and his defense shook up quite a few of the Boston players. The Axemen are impressed with Matt in winning the Man of the Match award in only his second game for the club

May 30 vs. DC Slayers
Kenny Britt

Kenny Britt was the security blanket the Axemen needed to find early season confidence. Playing at fullback he was faultless both in offense and defense. His ball return from kicks saw at least 15 meters each time and his speed never allowed the defense to get any real impact tackles on him. His cover defense was also perfect with breakaway ball carriers being tackled before the line every time. He cemented his starting spot for the team with a great performance on the day.

May 23 vs. Bradenton Bulldogs
Nick Shea

Nick Shea opened the season the way he opened last year by winning the Outback Steakhouse Man of the Match award. In addition to crossing for the try that put the game beyond any doubt he also stuck to the game plan that was paid out by the coaching staff. In conditions that proved difficult for many of his team mates, Nick was mistake free and cemented his place on the upcoming team that will travel to DC to square off against the Slayers.