The best performers from the 2022 NAB League Boys season were recognised on Wednesday night, with Tasmania Devils utility Lachlan Cowan and Dandenong Stingrays midfielder Taj Campbell-Farrell sharing the Morrish Medal.

Cowan became just the third player from a non-Victorian side to win the NAB League Boys best-and-fairest award, following St Kilda great Lenny Hayes (NSW/ACT Rams) and fellow Tasmanian Luke Shackleton. 

The rebounding defender and midfielder averaged 27 disposals, three tackles and five marks per game for the Devils this season.

He was also a standout for the Allies at the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys and was a member of the 2022 NAB AFL Academy.

Campbell-Farrell starred in 10 appearances for the Dandenong Stingrays, averaging 29 disposals, five tackles and five inside-50m entries per game. 

Among his season highlights was a Round 8 performance against Sandringham Dragons, where he racked up 40 disposals in a 21-point win under lights at Shepley Oval.

The ball-magnet had his season cut short after having surgery on both feet to correct compartment syndrome, a condition he bravely fought through during his Morrish Medal-winning campaign.

Cowan and Campbell-Farrell polled 18 votes to finish one ahead of Gippsland Power captain Bailey Humphrey.

Humphrey led the Morrish Medal voting after Round 5 following a scintillating start to the season. He was sidelined by a knee injury midway through the year but returned in style, booting nine goals in the final three home-and-away rounds.

Will Ashcroft finished in fourth place on 15 votes, with the prolific Sandringham Dragons midfielder adding to his extensive list of honours by being named captain of the 2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year.

Ashcroft, who has nominated as a father-son selection for the Brisbane Lions, captained Australia in the NAB AFL Academy’s clash against Collingwood’s VFL team in May and has starred in three matches for Victoria Metro at the 2022 NAB AFL National Championships U18 Boys.

Gippsland Power, Oakleigh Chargers and Sandringham Dragons all had four players selected in the Team of the Year, while Dandenong Stingrays and Tasmania Devils both had three representatives.

GWV Rebels forward Aaron Cadman was selected as vice-captain.

Eastern Ranges defender Sahaf Ali claimed the Personal Growth Award, which celebrates a NAB League Boys player who has demonstrated outstanding leadership and contribution to their community through their efforts to support and engage in purposeful initiatives for the benefit of others.

Other finalists for the award were Brayden George (Murray Bushrangers), Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons) and Ziggy Toledo (Dandenong Stingrays).

2022 Morrish Medal

1st: Taj Campbell-Farrell (Dandenong Stingrays) – 18 votes
1st: Lachlan Cowan (Tasmania Devils) – 18 votes
3rd: Bailey Humphrey (Gippsland Power) – 17 votes
4th: Will Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons) – 15 votes
5th: Aaron Cadman (GWV Rebels) – 14 votes
6th: Harley Reid (Bendigo Pioneers) – 12 votes
7th: Massimo D’Ambrosio (Western Jets) – 10 votes
8th: Harvey Gallagher (Bendigo Pioneers) – 9 votes
8th: Olivier Northam (Geelong Falcons) – 9 votes
8th: Nicholas Quigg (Murray Bushrangers) – 9 votes

Personal Growth Award

Sahaf Ali (Eastern Ranges) - Winner
Brayden George (Murray Bushrangers) - Finalist
Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons) - Finalist
Ziggy Toledo (Dandenong Stingrays) - Finalist

2022 NAB League Boys Team of the Year