WHITTINGSLOW TAKES OUT 2026 THIRDS BEST & FAIREST
Our Thirds Men put together a really strong 2026 season, finishing the home-and-away season third on the ladder with 10 wins from 14 games.
Under coach Matty, the boys had plenty of good wins throughout the year and continued to build as a group. A top-three finish earned them a spot in the finals, where they faced Hume Bombers in an Elimination Final. It was a tight contest, but unfortunately the season came to an end with a 10-point loss.
While it wasn’t the way the boys wanted to finish, there was still plenty to be proud of from a season that produced 10 wins and some really good footy along the way.
THIRDS BEST AND FAIREST
Brodie Whittingslow took home the 2026 Thirds Men’s Best & Fairest, capping off a strong season in the yellow and black with 82 votes.
Brodie put together a consistent year and was a key part of a Thirds side that won 10 games and finished third on the ladder. His Best & Fairest win is a great reward for the season he produced and his contribution to the group throughout the year.
Liam Mann was next in the count, finishing Runner-Up with 71 votes, while Ahmad Taleb secured third place with 61 votes. Ibrahim Bou’Khalil followed in fourth on 42 votes, with James Khouri completing the top five on 39 votes.
The Coaches Award was presented to Baylie Elsdon, recognising the effort, commitment and consistency he brought to the Thirds throughout the season. His contribution to the group across the year earned him well-deserved recognition from his coach.
James Khouri finished the season as the Thirds Men’s Leading Goal Kicker, booting 30 goals across the year. James was a consistent presence up forward and played an important role in the side’s strong season. He also finished fifth in the Best & Fairest, rounding out a great individual year.
2026 Thirds Men Awards
Thirds Best & Fairest | Brodie Whittingslow - 82 votes
Runner-Up | Liam Mann - 71 votes
3rd Place | Ahmad Taleb - 61 votes
4th Place | Ibrahim Bou'Khalil - 42 votes
5th Place | James Khouri - 39 votes
Coaches Award | Baylie Elsdon
Leading Goal Kicker | James Khouri - 30 goals
Among the League’s Best
Brodie Whittingslow was also recognised among the competition’s best, finishing equal fourth in the EDFL Thirds North Division Best & Fairest count. Brodie polled 12 votes, just four votes behind winner Ethan Letch (Hume Bombers), capping off a strong season that also saw him take home our Thirds Men’s Best & Fairest.
Thank You to Our Coaching & Support Team
A big thank you to Head Coach Matty Walker for his leadership of our Thirds Men throughout the 2026 season and for the time and effort he put into the group across the year.
A special thank you also goes to the Senior Women’s players who volunteered their time throughout the season, helping out on game days and wherever they were needed. Their support of the Thirds and willingness to lend a hand each week was greatly appreciated.
And finally, thank you to Team Manager Sureyya Oksuz for everything she did behind the scenes each week to support Matty, the players and the team throughout the season.
The time and commitment of our coaches, team staff and volunteers plays a huge role in getting a side on the park each week, and we’re grateful to everyone who contributed to the Thirds program this year.
Congratulations to all of our award winners and the entire Thirds Men’s playing and coaching group on a great 2026 season.
Comments