NELSON Bay Marlins superboot Billy Barton has capped a stellar season in the 2026 AFL Hunter Central Coast Black Diamond Senior Men’s Cup competition by collecting the prestigious Elliott Davey Medal.
The two-time representative forward shared the competition’s best and fairest player award with Terrigal-Avoca Panthers’ goal-scoring sensation Harrison Pitt.
As team skipper, Barton was a driving force up front for the Marlins, guiding the club into the Senior Men’s Cup semi-finals, only to meet their match against the all-conquering premiers, Newcastle City.
Once again he proved a prolific scorer for the Marlins, booting an impressive 44 goals in his 17 matches for the blue and golds to help them qualify for a second successive Cup finals series.
A seasoned campaigner and genuine match-winner, Barton has an amazing record as a full forward – kicking 184 goals in 135 top-grade appearances for the Nelson Bay club.
His ability to snare a six-pointer with his radar boot in pressure situations and on-field smarts have made the Marlins’ trump card one of the leading players in the top division.
Pitt also was a deserved joint recipient of the Elliott Davey Medal after steering his Panthers teammates to the semi-finals with an incredible 105 goals across 17 matches.
Barton also demonstrated his kicking prowess for the Hunter Central Coast representative team in their challenge victory over South Coast earlier this year in Canberra.
Former Greater Western Sydney (GWS) forward Sarah Halvorsen was named the Senior Women’s Cup Player of the Year after outstanding performances for runners-up Newcastle City this season.
Halvorsen was a dominant figure for the Blues and set a record for the highest individual vote count ever recorded in the AFL Hunter Central Coast competition.
She led the way as Newcastle City led 7-0,16-6 and 29-18 against eventual premiers Killarney Vale in the trophy decider before the Bombers booted two unanswered goals and a behind to storm to a 31-29 grand final triumph at Newcastle’s No 1 Sportsground.
By Chris KARAS
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