LEADERSHIP QUOTE OF THE DAY (19 May 2012): To manage a system effectively| you might focus on the interactions of the parts rather than their behaviour taken separately. - Russell L. Ackoff
SPORT
Slater Wins Dally M
Slater secured his first medal by two votes from Wests Tiger's Benji Marshall.
The superstar Melbourne Storm fullback polled 14 votes from Round 19 to 24, including a three-vote performance in his 200th game in Round 24 against St George Illawarra. But Slater, 28, was forced to endure a nervous wait during last night's count. He didn't poll in the final two rounds, including Round 26, which he missed after being asked by coach Craig Bellamy to rest.
Marshall needed three votes in the final game to win but did not poll, ensuring a big night for Slater, who famously lost by two votes in 2008 because of suspension. He finished on 29 with Marshall on 27. Slater's teammate Cooper Cronk, who missed two of the final three games through injury, was third on 25.
Bellamy was named coach of the year, Cameron Smith captain and hooker of the year, Slater was fullback of the year and Cronk halfback of the year. Melbourne dominated the night, taking six of the 20 awards.