Russells Creek midfielder Andrew McMeel capped off a stellar year to win the J A Esam Medal at the Warrnambool and District league’s awards night on Monday.
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The 25-year-old former North Warrnambool Eagles player stormed home to win his maiden league best and fairest with 26 votes.
Timboon Demons’ midfielder Andy Hargreaves made it a one-two finish for the Andrew clan finishing five votes behind in second.
Nirranda midfielder Will Paulin led until round 12 before McMeel and Hargreaves surged passed him in the final six rounds that he missed through injury.
The Kangaroos’ captain, who played 15 games in his second season in the blue and white since returning from two years living in London, said the victory was unexpected.
“I’m pretty shocked,” the left-footer told The Standard on Monday night.
“It is very humbling to win the award and a huge honour.”
McMeel kicked 20 goals and was named in the best players for 14 of his 15 matches this year, including five best on grounds.
The former Emmanuel Hawks junior said that next year would be a better year for the Mack Oval-based club with Peter Timms as their new coach.
“Timmsy is really good and we have caught up a few times already,” he said.
“He has great knowledge of the game and he brings a lot to Russells Creek.
“Heath and Bernie (Moloney) have done a great this far in getting us to the next level and Timmsy will do a really great job.”
McMeel said he thanked out-going playing coach Heath Moloney for his influence this season.
“He has been huge. He would give me first use of the ball all the time,” he said.
“He would tap to me all the time and he is a great ruckman and someone I respect as a player and a person.”
McMeel said he enjoyed his first year as captain of Russells Creek.
“It was pretty new to me and I’m not the best talking person,” he said.
“It was a really enjoyable role and something that I something I will really enjoy taking into next year.”
McMeel also took out the Most Valued Player of the year award with 35 votes.
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Sean Hardeman
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
I'm a sports journalist for the Warrnambool Standard who covers a number of different sports across the south-west of Victoria. I enjoy watching cycling, surfing, football, soccer and Formula 1.
