The goalkicking midfielder won the Doug McConnell under 16 best and fairest award last night with 19 votes, after joining the Hampden league junior club last season.

Chris, 16, polled votes in nine games, including four best-on-ground efforts. He finished the season with a three-vote game, helping him edge out Emmanuel Hawks’ Jayden Brennan, who finished with 17 votes.

Jayden received votes in eight matches, including four best-afield performances.

Chris was humble in victory.

“I was very nervous and it came down to the final game as well,” he said.

“I went all right in the game. I kicked four goals.

“I was hoping for one vote to tie with Brennan.” 

South Warrnambool’s Patrick Anderson was third with 15 votes and Warrnambool’s Ben Threlfall fourth with 11.

Chris, who rated speed as his greatest asset on the football field, said he was content with his season,  which ended with a narrow elimination final loss to South Warrnambool. 

“It was a solid season and a fun and enjoyable season,” he said.

In 2011, Chris played in an under 16 premiership with the Tigers after crossing from Colac and District league club Irrewarra-Beeac to test himself at a higher level.

Chris draws inspiration from Gold Coast skipper Gary Ablett and Carlton captain Chris Judd, along with Fremantle small forward Hayden Ballantyne and his St Kilda counterpart Stephen Milne. He wants to build on his football career with Colac’s under 18s in the Geelong Football League next season.

Emmanuel Hawks’ Jesse White topped the Hampden under16 goalkicking award with 41.

Hampden’s junior preliminary finals are scheduled to be decided in Port Fairy on Sunday.