Blackberry claims 2021 Cripps Player of the Year honour
Launceston stalwart Jay Blackberry has added to his impressive footy resume, claiming the 2021 Cripps Player of the Year award.
Blackberry – a two-time premiership winner – finished the home and away season in fine style, kicking four goals to go with 24 disposals in a big win over Lauderdale.
This performance earned Blackberry two votes, edging him ahead of teammate Jake Hinds and
North Launceston captain Jay Foon to claim his first Cripps Player of the Year gong.
Blackberry enjoyed a consistent season, booting 27 goals and averaging 18 disposals, five clearances and five inside 50s a game, while also overtaking Jaye Bowden as the competition’s games record holder.
“This is something I’ll reflect on post finals and post career, but it’s nice to be up there in these results. I’ve never really been close to an award like this before,” Blackberry said.
“I didn’t think at 29 I’d be winning awards like this. I still don’t think I’m in the top three players at our club, but consistency is the key sometimes.”
Blackberry’s side will take on North Launceston in this weekend’s semi final, with a direct ticket to the Grand Final on the line.
“Team success is what we set out to achieve and that is our full focus. We can’t wait to get stuck into it.”
The Cripps Player of the Year Award is a prestigious honour that has been won by some of the finest footballers to rise through the TSL.
The votes are determined by Tasmania’s media, who vote 3, 2 and 1 on every TSL game to ultimately decide the TSL’s Cripps Player of the Year.
Blackberry takes home a Cripps Appliance Pack, which includes a toaster, sandwich press and pizza oven, as well as $1000.
AFL Tasmania would like to thank and acknowledge the ongoing support Cripps provides the Tasmanian State League competition and this award.
2021 Cripps Player of the Year final leaderboard:
Jay Blackberry Launceston 22
Jake Hinds Launceston 20
Jay Foon North Launceston 18
Brad Cox-Goodyer North Launceston 17
Michael Stingel North Launceston 10
Dylan Riley Launceston 9
Cody Thorp Launceston 9
Baxter Norton Clarence 9
Lachlan Clifford Tigers FC 9
