Max Chipper wins the Prendergast Medal in the WAFL Reserves Best & Fairest

Swan Districts midfielder Max Chipper has reflected on an outstanding season which saw him take out the Prendergast Medal as the WAFL Reserves Best and Fairest at last month’s Sandover Medal count.

Despite his side being knocked out convincingly in the opening round, the ball magnet contributed to why the Swans reserves side reached finals, averaging just under 27 disposals per game. Having had twenty or more touches in every single reserves match he played in, the Caversham product wasn’t a surprise winner of the award, but admits he never felt certain.

“Before the invitation I probably didn’t think I would win it, it was only when I got the invitation to the night, I thought I was a pretty good chance” Chipper said.

A key member of last year’s Colts’ premiership triumph, Chipper says having a familiar group of teammates to run out with each week, was an extra advantage when it came to producing a consistent year.

“The transition was made easier with the amount of boys that came up through the senior program. There were about 10-12 guys from that Colts’ premiership team that played majority of the reserves games, so playing with my best mates definitely helped.”

Not only did Chipper reap the reward of a successful year by claiming the reserves’ highest individual honour, but he also managed to break into the Swans league side for a debut, which he hopes only becomes more of a common theme.

“I could’ve played Colts as an over-ager, but I didn’t really want to do that, I wanted to give myself the best opportunity to play league. I think think the award is a great reward for effort and will give me confidence heading into next year, so my expectation is to hold that spot in the league team.”

The 19-year-old is also optimistic about the club as a whole in 2023, after some disappointing results in the Colts and league campaigns.

“I think the general feel now is that the club is heading in a good direction. We played a lot of youth which exposed guys to some bigger bodies and showed them what it takes to make it, so I think it’s an exciting time for the club with a really young list.” Added Chipper.