Sunbury's Alik Magin is the Ballarat Football League's Henderson Medallist.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Magin claimed the senior best and fairest award by one vote at Monday night's Henderson and McLean Medals count and presentation dinner at Melton.
He polled 25 votes to edge out Sebastopol defender Tony Lockyer after each was judged best on the ground in the last home and away round of the season - the winning votes being the last read out in a dramatic end to the count.
Magin polled in nine games, with seven threes and two two-votes.
Lockyer received votes in 10 games after missing the opening two rounds with injury and not polling a vote until round six.
Re-live the vote count here:
The umpires awarded Lockyer four three-votes and six twos.,
Last year's Henderson Medallist and Bacchus Marsh ruckman Daniel Burton finished third on 18, with Redan's Lachie George next on 17 in his first season in the BFL.
Burton and George were ineligible to win owing to being suspended during the year.
Magin, who played eight games with Gold Coast Suns in the AFL, joined Sunbury from Kyneton in the Bendigo League in 2016.
He finished equal runner-up to Ben Taylor (Lake Wendouree) in the Henderson Medal in that year.
In a big night, Magin also won The Courier player of the year award for the second time, having previously taken it out in his first year in the BFL in 2016.
Magin said he had relished a varied role under new coach Travis Hodgson this year, being given a free rein to spend most of his time on the ball.
He said the arrival of new blood to the club and a greater spread of on-field leadership had eased pressure on him and also enabled him to have a greater impact.
Magin is already looking to next season with the Lions.
"We have unfinished business after the way we went out (in the first week of finals).
"We're well placed for the future," he said.
Magin said this was the longest he had ever spent at a club and never felt more comfortable in a great family environment.
Selmon wins McLean Medal
After a thrilling season, North Ballarat City goal shooter Madison Selmon has taken home the Sally McLean Medal at the Ballarat Football Netball League best and fairest night.
Selmon, 18, pushed North to a second place finish on the ladder and a grand final appearance coming on Saturday against East Point.
Selmon won the award with the final votes of the count, poling three votes in the last round to edge out Sunbury centre Tarryn Munro.
After receiving her award, Selmon said it was humbling to take home such a prestigious honour.
"I feel really honoured to take home an award named after such a great woman," Selmon told The Courier
Re-live the vote count here:
The youngster praised her coaches and teammates after the win.
"They've really supported me through it all... every game they've helped me develop my skills and mold me into the player I am today.
"(Playing with great players) is really motivational on the court, it helps me be the best player I can because I feel as though we work so well together as a team."
Selmon will be looking for her second consecutive A-grade premiership at the weekend and says she can't wait to take the court at Mars Stadium against East Point.
"I'm so excited for the weekend... I think we can get over the line as long as we play as a team and believe in each other."
Selmon will play in both the A-grade and 19/under grand finals on Saturday. She will be hoping to repeat her form from last year where she won the best on ground award in North's grand final victory over East Point.