Twelve months on, he’s won the Lew Kelly Medal outright.

Jones collected 21 votes to win the top accolade from South Warrnambool’s Tanna Blackney-Noter (16) and North Warrnambool Eagles’ Tim Condon (15). He said he spent more time in attack, rotating on the ball.

“To be honest I am a little bit surprised. I thought a few of the other boys in the side had pretty good years,” he said.

“My fitness was probably a little bit down but I played a few more games this year, so I guess that helped with the voting.”

Warrnambool teenager Austin Steere was awarded the senior football rising star awards for his efforts.

“It means a lot. I am very honoured to win this award,” he said.

Steere, 18, said he tried to utilise his pace and provide a goalkicking option for the Blues.

“I have to say it was all right. There was a few things I should have done a bit better but I was pretty happy with myself,” he said.

Terang Mortlake’s Libby Moloney, who claimed back-to-back Rebekah Moroney Memorial Medal 17 and under best and fairest wins on Wednesday, was named the netball rising star.

Port Fairy club umpire Leah Kermeen was humbled to etch her name on the Shirley McSwain netball umpire of the year award – named after her mum – for a second consecutive season.

“It’s fantastic to follow on the family tradition and legacy that Mum’s left within the league,” Kermeen said.

“It is nice to be recognised for all the hard work that goes into the job of umpiring.”

McSwain said she was a proud mum.

“It’s just great. It’s lovely to see Leah doing so well with her umpiring and it’s all her choice that she wants to be an umpire,” she said.

“She’s just chosen to have a go and she’s enjoying it.”

Terang Mortlake’s Robbie Jewell said it was an honour to win the volunteer of the year award.

“We do what we can. We have a lot of volunteers at Terang Mortlake footy netball club and I am lucky enough to be the recepient of this,” he said.

“It’s been great and it’s good to do what you can to help out.”

Official of the year went to Hamilton Kangaroos’ Chloe Tuffnell.

North Warrnambool Eagles’ Annie Blackburn and South Warrnambool’s James Hussey were named most valuable players for open netball and senior football respectively.

“It’s good to see South back up and about finishing in third spot and it’s good to be part of it,” Hussey said.