Caroline Springs’ Cooper Pepi almost claimed the Western Football League’s top honour, finishing second in the Barry Priest Medal at the league’s awards night.
Having won the best on ground medal in the grand final in a losing side, Pepi was one of three players in contention to win the Priest Medal heading into the final round.
Yarraville Seddon’s Michael Selsby, Pepi and Hoppers Crossing’s Josh Pickess all in contention late.
Selsby ended up on 30 votes to win the medal, finishing one vote clear of Pepi and Pickess another two votes further back.
Albion’s Caleb McPherson also finished in the top five, after finishing in the top three in the division 2 medal last year.
It couldn’t have been a much bigger week for Selsby.
He and his partner had a baby on Thursday night before Selsby claimed two best and fairests in the following two days.
In a video message, Selsby said it was a special honour.
“What an honour and what an enjoyable year it was,” he said. “First of all, my partner for supporting me throughout the year.
“All the partners in the room can attest to when we don’t have such a hot game, it’s not a great mood they come home to.
“I would like to thank the support crew around the club, Yarraville Seddon Eagles themselves, everyone from the trainers to the coaching staff, you guys have been amazing this year.
“It’s a really exciting time at the Eagles, a really young crew. I look forward to next year and the following years to come as I think we’re going to do some damage in the league moving forward.”
Pickess claimed the most valuable player award which was voted on by the coaches.
Meanwhile, West Footscray’s Jai Haines and Wyndhamvale’s Lewis Stanton were on the edge of their seats heading into the final round of counting in the Alan Smith Medal.
The pair were sitting equal first in the award for the best player in the division 2 with one round remaining.
Haines had 32 disposals in a big final round win against Tarneit, while Stanton kicked eight goals in a demolition job against Albanvale.
As luck would have it, neither would poll in the final round leaving the pair to share the Alan Smith Medal after polling 21 votes each.
North Footscray’s Matthew Serafin also finished on 21 votes but was ineligible after being suspended during the season.
It was also a tie in the women’s best and fairest with Yarraville Seddon’s Akec Makur Chuot and Parkside Spurs’ Rita Ceravolo sharing the top honour this year after finishing on 18 votes.
In the division 1 netball, Sunshine’s Kiralee Collings finished second in the best and fairest behind Spotswood’s Kimberley Phillips, with Philips winning by one vote.
Caroline Springs’ Olivia Craske finished third on 17 votes.
