Jones claims second Tuckey Medal as Peel's fairest and bestSunday, September 7, 2014 - 1:49 PM - by Chris Pike

BRENDON Jones decided against retiring in the end in 2014 and not only did he continue to be one of the WAFL's elite midfielders, but on Saturday night was awarded the Tuckey Medal for the second time as Peel Thunder's fairest and best player.

Not only did Jones decide to change his mind of his retirement decision from the end of 2013, but he had such a standout 2014 season that he is now committed to continuing on in 2015 as well meaning he will bring up his 200th WAFL game early next season.

Jones has currently played 198 matches made up of 101 with Perth and now the last 97 with Peel and he has not missed a game with the Thunder since Round 23, 2013 – a run of 80 consecutive matches.

Along the way, he is now a dual Tuckey Medal winner as Peel's fairest and best player in 2012 and 2014 while being runner-up in 2010 and 2011 to highlight his remarkable consistency.

He was also the 2008 fairest and best winner at Perth and an outstanding contributor in the Demons' midfield up until leaving to join Peel in 2010.

Jones once again did everything he physically could during the 2014 season to lead Peel from the front with the only thing missing from his season being the continued omission from the WA State side.

Nevertheless, the 28-year-old was outstanding for Peel averaging more than 24 disposals a game and his consistency was again a feature with him only gathering less than 20 possessions in three of the 20 matches, and having 29 or more five times including 32 in the last round against South Fremantle.

At only 28, without question Jones has plenty of football left in him approaching his 200th game and Peel will be hoping to get similar commitment and output from fellow experienced players Kristin Thornton, Cruize Garlett, Kelvin Lawrence and James Hawksley in 2015 in a big to climb the ladder.

First-year Fremantle draftee Jacob Ballard was runner-up to Jones in the fairest and best count in recognition of his outstanding season for the Thunder.

After finding his feet in the early rounds, Ballard emerged throughout 2014 as an outstanding ball-winning midfielder averaging over 24 disposals a game including four matches in excess of 30 to show that he has an AFL future with the Dockers.

Small forward turned creative defender Eddie Dann also had a superb season and was awarded the Coaches' Award from senior coach Cam Shepherd in recognition of his efforts.

Fremantle's Sam Menegola also took the next step with his football in 2014 and received the Most Consistent Player award for not only the defensive jobs he did some of the league best midfielders and forwards, but he also won plenty of the ball in his own right.

Menegola still averaged almost 20 possessions a game in 2014 including highs of 33 in Round 8, 32 in Round 15 and 31 in Round 12.

Dylan Winton was awarded the Arthur Marshall Young Player of the Year after showing plenty of strong signs in defence while the ever reliable and hard working 120-game veteran Matt Brown received the Players' Player award.

Fremantle's Anthony Morabito came back to play 16 matches with Peel this season in outstanding fashion and was awarded with the Tom Stone Medal for overcoming adversity.

Meanwhile, Corey Morris was awarded the reserves fairest and best winner for 2014 with Kyle Westwood the runner-up and Toby Gianatti receiving the Coaches' Award.

And in the colts, Luke Shepherd was named the fairest and best winner ahead of Sam Shackles and Kyle Shanahan with Travis Naughton receiving the Colts Encouragement Award.

Rod Hazel was also named Best Club Person with his contributions including being the WAFL Combined Past Players and Officials Association president.