This year saw their third grand final appearance in four years but, unfortunately, the major prize eluded them and ANU Griffins were crowned 2016 premiers. The Roos, however, did claim a league award when Toby Serafin was voted the Best and Fairest player for the Canberra Fourth Grade competition in 2016. Tom Hanson also did well coming equal fourth in the count.

The winner of the Roos Best and Fairest Player was Steve O’Brien with 24 votes ahead of three players in equal second with 22 votes – Toby Serafin, Ben Serafin and Tom Hanson. It was a year of fine performances from many players and the votes were shared between most of the team.

Ben Serafin was awarded life membership in recognition of his long service as a talented player and club member of the club since its first year in the competition back in 2002. To date, Ben has played 157 games for the Roos and scored 194 goals. He has been Best and Fairest Player four times (2002, 2005, 2009, 2014), runner up three times (2004, 2015, 2016) and also won the Best and Fairest for the league in 2009. Ben coached the team in 2009 and 2015 and has served on the committee at various times. This award was well deserved and all members of the club gave their heartfelt congratulations.

Cameron Attwell took the Goal Kicking Award with 19 goals. The Roos shared goal kicking around this year so this was a closely contested battle. Sam Campbell was runner up with 18, Ben Power and Vaughan Winnel 15 each, Ben Serafin and Shane Lees 14 each and Daniel Smith 13. You can see the pattern.

Steve O’Brien added the Player’s Player award to his B&F trophy while Darren Pfeiffer capped off another fine year taking home the Best Back and the Captain’s Award. Most improved player for 2016 was Raphael Willersdorf and the Willersdorf family (Raphael, Ben, Paul and David) were joint winners of the Coach’s Award for 2016. Captain Tom Hanson had a wonderful year in the role and was awarded the Most Consistent player award.

It was interesting and fitting that this year most of the player awards went to defenders. This was reflective of the massive performance they put in all year as a group. The reason the Roos had such a good for and against percentage was in a large part due to the tough defence the Roos put up week after week. 

The Club Person of the Year went to Jenene Forlonge. Jenene has thrown herself into the strapping, first aid and medical support of the players as well as taking an active role on the committee. She is a wonderful asset to the club. 

The Roos will take a break and contemplate the season and what may come.