By Justin Fris
Friday night’s Ken Allen medal night looks set to be one of the most hotly contested counts in several years.
Quality players from all clubs have solid claims to walk away with the medal.
First Grade premiers South Perth have several in the frame, although they could pinch votes from each other.
Jordy Jacobs, John Phipps and Wayde Kelly were all excellent across 2014 for Barney Nixon’s side.
North Beach’s hopes will rest on the shoulders on the likes of Jason Godecke, Kani Solomon and Ben Taylor.
A true livewire, Taylor had moments when he was unstoppable for opposition defences.
Fremantle’s second half of the year should see several Roosters feature in the meaty end of proceedings.
Jordan Stringer, Samson Graham and Wellington Tulilou were indispensable for Andrew Korn, who transformed his side into a fearsome unit.
Willagee’s Jarek Goebel is arguably one of the co-favourites for the medal, having a steller year for the red and black.
Goebel will join Joondalup’s Caleb Reedy as the other hot favourite for Friday night’s extravaganza.
If the Giants were on the canvas, Reedy dragged his teammates off it and got them back in business.
Rockingham may struggle to provide a leading contender due to their lack of wins, but Vincent Silulu should gain attention from his excellent performances.
Cairo Takarani and Greg Ranga also played at a high standard for the Bulldogs in 2014 and surely will be rewarded with votes.
The WA Rugby League will also welcome Parramatta Eels legend Nathan Hindmarsh to Perth for the event.
Hindmarsh will share yarns with the crowd, in easily the most anticipated occasion on the WA Rugby League calendar.
Friday’s festivities will commence at 7pm, overseen by James ‘Sully’ Sullivan.