Jenkins receives club's top honour
By BEN WALKER
IN a season where so many players stood out and so much focus was on their brigade of young stars, Dubbo CYMS legend Luke Jenkins took the club's top honour when he was presented with his second Ken McMullen Medal on Friday night.
Jenkins first won the award in 2011 but his presentation on Friday night capped a season in which he led the Fishies to a second straight Group 11 title and also won the coveted Bob Weir Medal for best on ground in the grand final win over Parkes.
"I felt a bit bad getting up there and getting the award because this year everyone trained and played hard, and there were no weak links in our side," Jenkins said.
"It wouldn't have mattered whose name was read out to win, nobody could have argued with it, and that's probably why we had the season we did.
"In saying that it's always an honour to win an award and I'm proud to have won it for the second time."
Jenkins has been involved in a golden era for the Fishies, and it is easy to forget he is only 34 years of age.
He boasts arguably the most impressive CV in bush football, having played in 14 junior and senior grand finals with Narromine and CYMS since 1998, winning nine of them.
He first linked with the Fishies in 2001 and has kept on keeping on through a time where the likes of Bernard and Nick Wilson, Justin Yeo, Tim Ryan and Shane Madden have come and gone as far as playing is concerned.
"The big thing behind the success I think is that it's a team effort from the board to the playing group," Jenkins said.
"If you're not winning games and having some success it can be hard to get people to help out with the off-field stuff, and if you've got a rubbish board then the club won't attract players but we have it covered all across the club."
Fishies coach Tim Ryan, who will again mentor the first grade side as they chase a third straight premiership in 2016, said Jenkins' list of accolades comes down first and foremost to his work ethic.
"He trains at 6am every morning and he trains hard. Then he sets the standard at club training as well," Ryan said.
"You look at his work ethic and the success he has had and it's easy to see that link. For us, he sets the standards and makes everyone else try and reach them.
"He could probably rest on his laurels a bit but he doesn't do that, and because he is a former captain-coach himself he knows how much hard work is needed and he doesn't cause any dramas. If he can't make training he lets you know early so you can prepare and if I can't make it because of work he pretty much runs it anyway."
The lure of a rare three-peat will ensure Jenkins returns in 2016, and while he knows the end is getting near he has no immediate plans to retire.
"My body is still feeling good and even though there's times you'd probably rather do something else on weekends you're a long time retired," he said.
"Once the season starts getting closer and you get keen it's alright but I'm not thinking too much about footy right now. I'll just keepgoing as long as my body lets me and I can keep going at a standard I'm happy with."