Brett Deledio wins 2008 Army Award
richmondfc.com.au
By Jennifer Witham
8:30 PM Mon 15 September, 2008
A BRAVE decision to put his body on the line in round seven this year has seen Richmond midfielder Brett Deledio claim the 2008 AFL Army Award.
Deledio, 21, found himself in contention for the prize after courageously attempting to mark while running back with the flight of the ball during the match against St Kilda back in early May.
He received 27 per cent of the public votes, which was endorsed by the All-Australian committee of Andrew Demetriou (chairman), Adrian Anderson, Rod Austin, Kevin Bartlett, Mark Bickley, Gerard Healy, Glen Jakovich and Robert Walls.
Deledio, who has played 84 games for Richmond since being drafted with the first selection in the 2004 NAB AFL Draft, finished ahead of Geelong's Ryan Gamble (23 per cent) and North Melbourne's Gavin Urquhart (20 per cent).
"It's a great thrill to win the Army Award. It's fantastic to see an award recognising acts of play that often go unnoticed," Deledio said.
“I’ve finally worked out how hard you have to work out there [on the football field].
“Hopefully we can move on to bigger and better things next year as a team.
The star Tiger was presented with his prize by Major General Mark Kelly, Land Commander Australia, at the All-Australian dinner held on Monday night.
Deledio will receive a $10,000 travel voucher and an Army experience for his efforts, something he is really looking forward to.
"They tell me it’s pretty good down there and I’m looking forward to getting down there and firing a few rifles and hanging out in tanks," Deledio said.
Chief of Army, Lieutenant General Ken Gillespie, commended Deledio on his award and performance throughout the year.
"On behalf of the Australian Army, I congratulate Brett Deledio on winning the 2008 AFL Army Award," he said.
"The spirit and determination he shows on the field each week exemplifies the Army's core values of courage, initiative and teamwork.
"He is a truly inspirational player who pushes himself to be his best."
Richmond coach Terry Wallace praised his young charge's performance this season.
"Brett has had a fantastic year and has really grown as a footballer," he said.
"I can clearly remember the moment of play that earned Brett his award back in round seven and recall thinking that it was the most courageous act I have ever seen on the football field by any player."
The AFL Army Award was introduced for the 2007 season to recognise match day acts which demonstrate courage, initiative and teamwork. The award aims to reward the one per cent style acts such as game breaking smothers, tackles and shepherds.
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