BFL grand final: McMahon most valuable player

PAUL McMahon kept his week low-key after winning the Henderson Medal as the Ballarat Football League's best and fairest.But he capped his week off in stellar style, booting eight goals in Lake Wendouree's grand final win and catching the umpire's eye again for the most valuable player medallion.The power forward and joint Tony Lockett medallist, as league-leading goal kicker, said his most valued prize was the premiership medal."I came back to Lake Wendouree for a flag, and now we finally have one," McMahon said."This is very special moment - there are guys like Ben Reus, our old captain, and a few of the older blokes who have been waiting 15 years for this."McMahon returned to his home club after a two-season spell and back-to-back premierships with North Ballarat Roosters in the Victorian Football League.He said he felt a little pressure to perform going into the grand final as the Henderson medallist.But McMahon said he was not alone, with other players feeling the weight of the club's chase for its first flag.When the Lakers clicked in the second quarter and found their speed, McMahon said his own game lifted.He still surprised himself with eight goals."I would have been happy to kick no goals and still have a win," hesaid."I never expected to kick eight."