By Tara Murray
Sunbury Lions gun midfielder Alik Magin said there’s unfinished business for the side after a disappointing end to the Ballarat Football League season.
In one of the closest seasons in history, the Lions were bundled out in an elimination final by Melton having led at three quarter time.
Magin said it was something that burned in the group.
“We sort of have unfinished business finishing the way we did,” he said.
“If everyone sticks to together, and we get a couple more in. It’ll definitely put us in good stead going forward for next year.”
While the season ended on a low for the Lions, Magin was recognised as the best player in the competition winning the Henderson Medal on Monday night.
Magin finished on 25 votes, one clear of Sebastopol’s Tony Lockyer.
The count came down to the final game of the year, with Magin needing at least two votes to share the medal.
In the final round, the Lions beat Bacchus Marsh, with coach Travis Hodgson saying at the time, Lachie Bramble was clearly best on ground, while Jarrah Maksymow and Magin both had good games.
Bramble polled one vote, while Bacchus Marsh’s Aaron Willitts picked up the two votes.
Magin polled the three votes to take the medal outright.
“We won by 80 points, so the whole team played well,” Magin said.
“Jarrah kicked six and Lachie Bramble was everywhere all day.
“You never know what will happen in a vote count, I’m stoked. I didn’t think I had it in me.”
It’s the first time Magin has won a league best and fairest.
Magin was also named in the team of the year along with Bramble and Mitch Conn.
Magin, who has been at the Lions for the past four seasons, returned to the form that saw him make and AFL list and dominate in the VFL.
He said the coaching group had put a lot of faith in him. More time in the midfield in his preferred position also helped.
“It was different this year, with more freedom,” he said.
“[I was] backing myself and Trav left it up to me to run my own show, they were just there to keep everything structured
“The likes of Bramble and Mitch Conn and Andy Duhau and Leigh Brennan and those sort of guys… Now they take out the opposition’s best players.
“The kids are coming through, it’s up to us to teach them as well.”
Magin, who is already locked in for next season, said the club had been like home to him and he wasn’t interested in going anywhere else.
He said the playing group was pretty close and it was one of the main reasons for sticking around.
Having never won a premiership, Magin said that was the focus.
“It’s not about individual awards, you play footy to win a grand final and that’s the ultimate goal.
“If we can stick together the next few years, with the comp being so close, we’re definitely a chance next year.”
