Russells Creek midfielder Andy McMeel took out back-to-back J. A. Esam medals at the Warrnambool and District league's awards night on Monday.
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In a thrilling count, McMeel scored 19 votes ahead of Kolora-Noorat wingman Jason Moloney (18), Old Collegians ruckman Scott Lenehan (17) and the Power's half-forward Mark Clissold (17).
McMeel, who was locked in a three-way tie with Lenehan and Clissold after round 16, received two votes against Panmure in round 17 to break the deadlock.
The Creek captain certainly didn't expect to win because he told his wife Maggie not to come to the ceremony. She had wanted to come to the event.
"(I feel) a bit silly," he said.
"I said sorry to Maggs in the speech.
"I didn't rate myself as a chance but I got lucky."
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McMeel said he got in trouble last year because the same thing happened and Maggie missed the occasion.
The midfielder, who is in third season with Creek, won his first league medal last year with 26 votes.
It's been a big month for the McMeels with Andy's younger sister Jane awarded best on ground by the umpires in the inaugural DUFFL women's grand final.
"Jane's a little footy star," he said.
The former North Warrnambool Eagles player quit footy during the 2015 season because he'd lost his passion for the game.
After time away from the game he decided to play with friends at Russells Creek.
"I'm just trying to enjoy my footy, really," he said.
"They're all a great bunch of boys out there, it's great fun."
McMeel has already signed on for next season.
Russells Creek had two wins and finished second last on the ladder.
McMeel said he was hoping his side could lure some Hampden league recruits to the club.
"We've got great depth at the moment but it's more just topping up our quality players," he said.
McMeel, who played 16 matches and kicked six goals this season, was named in his team's best in every game except one.
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