Stuart Fletcher has capped off a stellar 2018 season by being named Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League joint player of the year in what was a closely contested competition for the coveted individual award.
The Souths-turned-Gosford midfielder finished on 16 points alongside Maitland’s Matt Magann and just one ahead of BJ Burton (Wests), Simon Vimpani (Souths) and Ky Willott (Norths).
In total, eight players ended up within three points of each other at the top of the overall standings.
Fletcher was integral to Gosford’s premiership double, which was sealed with a 1-0 grand final win over Norths in Newcastle on Sunday. The best and fairest accolade was announced after the decider.
Less than two months ago in Spain, Fletcher helped Australia win the Masters World Cup in the men’s over-35 division.
Magann joins Rams teammate and two-time player of the year Peter Urquhart on the honour roll.
In the lower grade grand finals in Newcastle on Sunday, Souths (2nd, 4th) and Wests (5th, 6th) both claimed two titles each while Port Stephens (3rd) and Crusaders (7th) were also successful.
Meanwhile, the Newcastle District Women’s Hockey Association Premier League grand final between Avoca Beach and Oxfords will be held at Broadmeadow on Saturday (3pm).
