THE Bendigo Dragons cleaned up at the Gridiron Victoria division two awards on Friday night.
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Head coach Robert Hunter was named Coach of the Year after guiding Bendigo to the finals in its debut season.
And young gun Tim Curtain claimed the Rookie of the Year award following a superb season in the last line of defence.
“He was great for us, he got a number of interceptions throughout the season,” Dragons vice-president David Barker said.
Bendigo received a huge vote of confidence from Gridiron Victoria by being named Best Conducted Club.
“We were stoked with that one,” Barker said. “That just comes from everything, game day presence, how we present as a club at home and away games, how we present ourselves on the field.
“They said we were by far the leader in that category.”
Versatile star Noah Sims’ outstanding season was capped by being third in the division two MVP.
While gun full-back Fareni Moefaauo was runner-up in the Offensive MVP.
“Noah had a very good year, unfortunately he missed three games through the year, so that cost him,” Barker said.
Moefaauo and tight-end/slot back Harry Jalland capped the Dragons’ evening by winning selection in the All-Victorian Team.
The duo are likely to be invited to state trials and the Dragons hope several more players will be asked to try out for Victoria, Barker said.
The Dragons’ debut season came to an end at the hands of eventual division two champions Monash Barbarians.
The Dragons’ under-18s team is set for its first game on September 15, with senior coach Robert Hunter to take charge of the squad.
The Dragons are ready to fire, but still have room on their roster for interested players who can attend training at Maiden Gully Recreation Reserve from 6pm to 8pm each Wednesday this month.