By Marcus Uhe
Olinda Ferny Creek star Matthew Scharenberg enters the Outer East Football Netball Premier Division Football presentation night on Monday as a red-hot favourite to claim the Shane Smith medal as the competition’s fairest and best player.
Scharenberg has been a dominant force behind the ball for the Bloods this season and critical in his side’s return to finals football, finishing fifth and defeating Upwey Tecoma in an elimination final last week after missing the finals in 2023.
The former Collingwood defender, who was selected with the sixth pick in the star-studded 2013 AFL Draft – a night that ignited the careers of Patrick Cripps, Marcus Bontempelli, Josh Kelly, Zach Merrett and James Sicily – endured a torrid run of injuries during his seven seasons at the Magpies, playing just 41 games and requiring three knee reconstructions during his tenure at the club.
In 2024, however, Scharenberg played every game for the Bloods and was named in the best players on all but two occasions.
Often playing an intercept marking role behind the ball, Scharenberg has stymied a number of attacking thrusts and been a constant thorn in the side of opposition coaches.
Dylan Wilson, the man blessed with deploying the swingman on Saturdays, said that he is “clearly a class above”.
“His intensity when he’s on the ground, it really stands out,” Wilson said.
“Even on an off day, it’s hard to go past him being named in the best.
“He just goes about his own business.
“He’s experienced and he’s a real talent – I just try not to get in his way.”
When not stopping opposition attacks, he was capable of scoring himself, kicking 22 majors including three bags of four – two coming in crucial wins over Emerald and Upwey Tecoma.
As all football fans know, however, so often these results overlook the key pillars at either end of the ground, and instead favour those in-and-under the umpires’ noses in the middle of the ground.
With that in mind, let’s look at some names that can challenge Scharenberg for the Shane Smith Medal on Monday night.
EWAN WADSWORTH – EMERALD
The gun ball-winner was everything the Bombers could have asked for in his first season at Chandler Reserve, winning the best-and-fairest on the back of a sensational year leading the midfield having crossed from Yarra Junction in the offseason.
Wadsworth was critical in Emerald staying in Premier Division, and formed an elite pairing with ruck Stephen Kapahnke, setting the example for the likes of Josh Rich, Jake Pedder and Nick Russo in the middle of the ground.
Five wins and only five goals to his name are numbers not in his favour, particularly in comparison to Scharenberg, but expect him to poll strongly.
KURT MUTIMER – NARRE WARREN
Reigning Shane Smith Medal winner Tom Miller said he was surprised that his teammate Mutimer didn’t win the award in 2023.
The inside bull of the Magpies’ midfield placed fifth in the count, behind teammates Miller and Tom Toner, but played a more senior role in the middle in 2024 due to Miller’s exit.
With Miller out of the equation, Toner suspended and 2023 runner-up Cody Hirst missing much of the season due to injury, the stars are aligning for Mutimer to walk away with the league’s highest honour.
It would be fitting for the pillar of consistency who never plays a bad game, and while not offering the flair nor brilliance of some of his contemporaries, is one of the best at his role in the competition.
Sam Toner’s hauls of goals may pinch votes off him in the first half of the year, but sooner rather than later, league-wide recognition is coming for Mutimer.
LOCHLAN BEECROFT – MONBULK
Like Scharenberg, Beecroft was a staple in the Hawks best player every week this season, not missing selection once.
24 goals in 18 games made him a dynamic prospect and a handful for opposing coaches to contain – many clearly failing to do so.
Expect this Hawk to be front and centre when the votes are called next week.
CHAYCE BLACK – WANDIN
The speedy midfielder ticks a lot of boxes from a vote counting perspective.
His dashing pace and pink boots catch the eye of the most casual observers and are certain to do the same for the men and women officiating the contests in the middle of the ground.
His consistency in performance saw him named in the best players 14 times from 18 opportunities, with his fitness and ability to reach a truckload of contests a standout feature of his game.
With the likes of Patrick Bruzzese, Aaron Mullett, Jordan Jaworski and Patrick Hodgett competing for votes in the Bulldogs’ side, however, he may be edged out of the best three players on the ground on a handful of occasions.
Smokies – Daimon Kift (Mt Evelyn), Brenton Hillard (Officer), Aaron Mullett (Wandin), Riley Siwes (Narre Warren).
