The annual OC Bombers awards presentation and dinner, known as the Bombers Ball, was held at Busters Beach House in Long Beach on Saturday December 20 and saw midfielder/half back Kelly Nelson take out the club’s B&F award for 2008 in convincing fashion.

Kelly capped off a stellar season by winning his second consecutive Best & Fairest award, along with being named the USfooty news MVP for 2008, and selection in the US Revolution team for the Australian tour in August. By polling votes in five of the Bombers’ seven 18-a-side games prior to Nationals, including 2 best-on-ground performances, Kelly’s win was hardly a surprise. Head Coach John Fragomeni, in presenting the award, spoke of Kelly’s dominance as a great example of how far an American player can come in a relatively short time.

Runner up B&F went to midfielder Simon Sweeney in his first season for the Bombers. Simon also had an outstanding year, and if not for Kelly’s freakish season would have taken the B&F award himself.

In other awards, the Rookie of the Year went to Adam Hale. Adam’s first season of footy ever resulted in him polling votes in many games, and his potential is unlimited. He is now in the process of negotiating with some Australian clubs with the prospect of spending a season over there, so his improvement should go ahead in leaps and bounds.

The Best Utility award went to Paul Lindley. Pauly played everywhere all year whenever he was asked to, and did so brilliantly. A fitting reward for all his efforts without a word of complaint.

Most Improved was shared by Corey Irwin and Colter Allison, two Americans who have been playing for a few years now, but took their games to a new level in 08 under the tutelage of coach John Fragomeni.

Best Defender for the year was Kareem Lorseyedi. Ryno struggled with injury for much of the year, but always performed and had his best season for the Bombers, often holding down the crucial center-half-back position.

Best Newcomer went to Robert Alexander. Robbo embraced the club from the first day he showed up this year and was always enthusiastic to play and help out. His improvement on the field was exceptional.

Most Consistent went to Matthew Morgan. Maddog was another to have a great year, and as the award reflects, showed good form all season.

The Leading Goalkicker award went to veteran Chris McNeil for the 4th time in 6 seasons with the Bombers.

Two very popular awards, the Supporter of the Year and Clubman of the year, went to Hafez Lorseyedi and Jason Bottrell respectively. Haf has become an integral part of the Bombers, and the players have come to rely on his help and support on the sidelines. Jason was a well deserving Clubman of the year, never missing a game even when struggling with injury and unable to play at times.

And finally, the Wanker award was shared by Brad Wetherall and Mark O’Shea for obvious reasons.

And so another season was put to bed, and while there was a feeling of pride about how far the club had come this year, the talk amongst the players and from the coach was all about next year and what we can do to improve, and the club is looking forward to season 2009 with great anticipation.