APPRENTICE refrigeration mechanic Hamish Withers last night iced the biggest individual achievement of his football career, winning the Hampden league’s Judd Cup.
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The North Warrnambool Eagles midfielder polled 20 votes, two clear of Warrnambool small forward Jye Turland to claim the under 18½ league best and fairest award. South Warrnambool’s Jake O’Sullivan was third on 16.
The victory capped a successful first season with the Eagles for Withers.
He was part of Portland’s inaugural Hampden league season in 2013 but the prospect of work lured him to Warrnambool.
Withers, who has played cricket with Woodford for the past couple of seasons, said the Eagles seemed a logical choice when it came to footy because several summer teammates played footy there.
“I got an apprenticeship with West Fridge, that’s what decided it for me. Work was the only reason I came over.
“It was definitely hard to come over. I love the Portland football club. But a job is before footy and that’s what decided it for me.”
Withers said he had no expectations when he joined the Eagles, admitting he had missed a lot of pre-season training because he was unsure if he was moving.
He started the season in the Eagles’ senior side, playing the first seven games at the higher level in defence.
Withers said his form was average before being sent back to the under 18½s. It led to eight eye-catching matches. He polled in each of his eight games, including being voted best-on-ground five times.
He entered the final round of the count three votes clear of Turland. But the diminutive Blue polled three votes to momentarily draw level, before Withers picked up two against South Warrnambool to freeze out his rival.
The Judd Cup will sit alongside Withers’ Portland junior league under 14 best and fairest award while playing with North Portland.
Turland, a member of Warrnambool’s senior premiership side last year, was stunned to poll so well, having played just seven appearances.
He began 2014 in the seniors, playing the first eight matches. He has spent the second half of the season fighting to win back his spot in the ones, mixing seven under 18½ matches with three senior appearances.
He polled in all seven under 18½ appearances, receiving five three votes, a two and a one.
“Seven games, I didn’t think I would have any chance,” Turland said.
“You couldn’t really win from seven games.”
The 18-year-old is hoping to force his way back into Warrnambool’s senior side but if the recall doesn’t happen, he will throw his energy into the Blues’ under 18½ bid to become premiers and champions. They clash with Portland on Saturday for a spot in the grand final.
