TIM Gainey has credited a strong focus on training for his Warrnambool Seahawks’ most valuable player award win.
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The veteran forward took out the award for the third time on Saturday at a presentation night at the Flying Horse.
Gainey, 31, was a catalyst in the Seahawks’ rise into Big V title contention in 2014.
They finished a game shy of a grand final series — a marked improvement on their forgettable 2013 season.
Gainey played all 21 games this season, averaging 20.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Those numbers put him in Big V most valuable player calculations.
He is one of five division one players in line for that honour at the league’s awards night at Docklands this weekend.
Gainey said his Seahawks’ award win was due to his a strong work ethic off the court.
“It’s similar to what someone like Jason Rowan has done at Warrnambool,” he said.
“I took training more seriously, worked more on my diet and stayed thin and felt fresher and felt I could do more stamina-wise.
“I was always on the court, five, sometimes six days a week, and sometimes after a Saturday game I’d be back on court on Sunday morning.”
Gainey, who credited Barry Brooks for helping with his shooting technique, was one of the oldest players on the Seahawks’ list, along with forward Simon O’Keefe.
He said the team’s younger players’ dedication had a positive impact.
“Everyone is passionate about it and having a young side you have to try and keep up,” Gainey said.
“They are all going to the gym and putting in the hard yards.”
O’Keefe, a defensive key, won the Seahawks’ coach’s award and the Dean family the club persons of the year honour.
Teenage forward Liam Killey collected the Scotty Stewart Memorial rising star award.
“He is only 17 so to have the season he had (was great) and a few teams have said he is a really good player and to hear that from the opposition was good,” Gainey said. “Four boys were nominated for it so it showed the talent we have.”
Warrnambool used the awards night to retire coach Bobby Cunningham’s number 20 jersey.