In the past, when association medal counts were held and players tied, the winner was decided on a countback, and the player with the first preference votes won the award. In 1999 the SANFL awarded retrospective Mail Medals to all ‘A Grade’ players who had missed out on a countback.
It was recently discovered that several Far West Football League B Grade and Colts players had lost medals in countbacks. Therefore, it was decided to retrospectively award these medals at the senior presentation night.
1977 – Barry Thompson (Thevenard)
Blackham Medal - B Grade Medal
He lost on a countback from teammate John Pearson. Thevenard were the B-Grade premiers in 1977, defeating Koonibba. Barry played a mix of A and B Grade Football for Thevenard in the centre. Barry played in both A Grade and B Grade premierships for Thevenard and won best and fairest awards and trophies for best team man and best utility.
1980 – Michael Colbung (Koonibba)
Colts Medal.
Michael lost on countback to Smoky Bay’s Brett Perry. In 1980, Koonibba was narrowly defeated in the Grand Final by Thevenard. Michael was named the best player for Koonibba.
Described in John Gascoynes ‘Touch of Magic’ book as a powerfully built, dashing defender, Michael played 202 games in 15 seasons for Koonibba, winning 8 premierships, including best on ground in the 1998 Far West Grand Final. Michael was a Mortlock Shield winner with Far West in 1990.
1984 – John Ettridge (Smoky Bay)
Blackham Medal - B Grade Medal
John tied with Kym Stringer from Western United. In 1984 Smoky Bay B Grade lost the Preliminary final to Thevenard.
In John Gacoynes ‘Far West Football’ book, John is described as a no-nonsense player who was there for the team's benefit, a bullocking, head-down, robust man. He would put his head where many would not put a pitchfork, and his style of play inspired others.
John played for Carawa/Smoky Bay, was "A" grade captain, won a best-and-fairest award, and was club president. His career ended at Blues, where he played 3 B Grade games in the initial seasons of the amalgamation between Ceduna and Smoky Bay, was president of Blues, and coached the senior colts.
1988 – Paul Fisher (Ceduna)
Under 13’s Medal
Paul lost on a countback to Rohan Scott from Western United.
Paul only played 6 games for the season and was the team's captain. 1988 was the last year of the Ceduna Football Club. Paul played in the Colts premiership for Blues in their first season in 1989.
Not present on the night:
1980 - Bill Lennel (Ceduna)
Blackham Medal - B Grade Medal
Bill tied with Doug Shipard from Western United. Ceduna were defeated in the Grand Final by Thevenard. Bill played with Charra and was runner-up in the 1968 Mail Medal. He was an inaugural Western United player in 1974 and finished runner-up in the A Grade Best and Fairest in 1974. He played 31 A Grade games over three seasons for Western United before transferring to Ceduna to finish his career.
1988 - Eric Peel (Koonibba)
Colts Medal
Eric tied with teammate Corey Mclennan. The Koonibba Colts won the grand final in 1988, defeating Thevenard. 1988 was a glorious year for the Koonibba Football Club as they won the premiership in all 4 grades, the only time this was achieved in the Far West Football League.
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