Hayward Medal: Augusta-Margaret River’s Simon Moore wins 2021 top prize from Brendan Tingey in thrilling count

Augusta-Margaret River’s Simon Moore has been crowned the 2021 Hayward Medallist — the best player in the South West Football League. Moore polled 28 votes to win the award ahead of last year’s winner, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s Brendan Tingey. Tingey finished on 24, while South Bunbury ruckman Tim Sutherland finished fourth with 17 votes. The 28-year-old held an unassailable lead ahead of the final round, with both him and his HBL rival polling maximum votes. WATCH THE FULL REPLAY OF THE COUNT HERE The former Subiaco midfielder praised the standard of competition in the South West and thanked the club for their support. "It's an incredible standard... to come down here is a really strong competition,” he said. Moore carried injuries through his first year at the club last season, but a full bill of health allowed him to find his groove this year. "My first year down here it was a bit of an eye-opener... I was trying to get accustomed to the game plan, the game style and having Jamo (Matt Jamieson) here to help me through that period was really good for me,” he said. "Thankfully that hard work paid off.” Moore was a crucial factor in leading the club to its first ever minor premiership and faces a second semifinal match-up with Bunbury in less than 24 hours time. "It's incredible and a credit to all the support staff, to Jo, our new president,” he said. "It is something we are all really, really proud of.” Hawks coach Jamieson said he was proud of Moore’s season. "I think Simon has had an outstanding year and that is reflective in how he polled,” he said. "I am very proud of him and hopefully now we push on to a great September." Donnybrook’s Jessica Verbrugge took home the Nola Marino medal count, polling full votes in the final round to jump over the top of South Bunbury’s Bethany Bond. "The culture in our women's team is amazing, we're such good mates and I love playing with these girls," she said. "It's really overwhelming and crazy... thanks so much to the South West Football League... this feels massive."