North Warrnambool Eagles' Brian Dillon says he was honoured to receive the Hampden league's Official of the Year award at the Maskell Medal count on Sunday.
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Dillon, whose son Jordan is captain of the Eagles' senior team chasing premiership glory on Saturday, paid tribute to the team of volunteers around him.
"You don't join or become involved with football clubs or any sporting club, or any organisation that requires volunteers, to win an individual award," he said.
"Because there are so many other people behind the scenes who really put in as well.
"So I suppose I consider this a reflection on the work the volunteers do out there."
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Dillon said he started helping at the club when his son joined the Eagles about seven years ago.
"I was asked by the president then if I'd like to be their team manager," he said.
"Which means you've got to be there on Tuesday and Thursday nights.
"I thoroughly enjoy it because everyone is appreciative of the work you do, you hand out jumpers to the players and they always say 'thanks'.
"It's a great environment."
Dillon credited all the people who help at the club including Michael Lynch, John Palmer, Peter Cannon and Terry Parkinson.
Meanwhile, the Eagles' Elisha Sobey received her Hampden league life membership on Sunday.
The midcourter, who has daughter Ivy and son Regi, has played for both Warrnambool and the Eagles during her decorated career.
"You don't picture this moment ever happening because it seems like such a long way away," she said about surpassing 250 matches.
The bubbly netballer, who has won multiple Hampden league best and fairest awards, shared her secret for success.
"Hang in there, grit your teeth and pretend you're still 21," she said with a laugh.
Eagles footballer Matthew Wines, who also received his life membership, said he loved being at the club.
"It's been a long road for the club and myself (getting here)," he said.
"It's taken a long time to get to this stage.
"Hopefully as a club we can get some more success."
Former Cobden co-coach and captain Paul Foster was also honoured to receive his life membership.
"For me, it was just about playing footy with my mates and enjoying it along the way," he said of his 250-plus matches.
Foster paid tribute to his father Michael who died from cancer a few weeks ago.
"He was my number one supporter," he said.
"He'd be super proud today seeing me receive this."
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