Benny Barrett wins 2022 U16 Best and Fairest Medal

By ZAC MILBANK

South Adelaide speedster Benny Barrett has held on to win the inaugural SANFL U16 Best and Fairest Medal with 24 votes. 

A member of the victorious Torrens University SA U16 team, Barrett edged out teammate Phoenix Hargrave and Glenelg’s Charlie McAuliffe on 23.

The creative 16-year-old attracted seven first preferences while landing votes in nine of the 14 matches he played with the Panthers in 2022.

Averaging 21 disposals, six clearances and four tackles this season, Barrett not surprisingly received three votes for his stunning performance in Round 8 where he collected 33 disposals, six marks, six tackles, six clearances, 10 inside 50s and two goals.

Originally from Darwin, Barrett played his junior football with Happy Valley before joining South’s Under-16 team last year.

Sturt’s strongly-built midfielder Ned Atkinson finished in fourth place with 22 votes ahead of North Adelaide pair Blake Oudshoorn-Bennier and Owen Kalic on 17.