By Oliver Lees
Wallan midfielder Ricky Schraven claimed the Bowen Medal at the Riddell District Football Netball League’s virtual awards night held on Friday.
Schraven polled 11 votes to claim the league’s top honour, just ahead of Romsey duo Aaron Paterson and Nathan Hoy tied for equal second on 10 votes.
Schraven said he was humbled by the recognition.
“I know we were so disappointed in the early finish [to the season], but it just gives us fuel for next year,” he said.
“And I know this is an individual award, but you’re only as good as the 22 you run out with each Saturday.”
Schraven was also named in the team of the year along with seven teammates to cap off Wallan’s stellar 2021 campaign, where the Magpies lost just one game from 10 outings.
Macedon landed four players in the RDFL’s team of the year, with Clinton Burgess, Matthew Dick, Jason Cooke and Zachary Smedley all selected.
Romsey’s reliable ruckman Nathan Hoy was named alongside teammates Matthew Burkett and Jack Jedwab.
Diggers Rest flankers Matthew Krul and Taylor Hine were also named alongside Riddell’s Ben Sonogan and Callum Williamson.
Both Woodend/Hesket and Lancefield had a player each named on the interchange in Alistair Rae and Thomas Waters.
Magpies coach Daniel Nolan was selected as the coach in the team of the year, making it two honours in quick succession, after he was named the Victorian Senior Coach of the Year award at the National Volunteer Awards in September.
The Burras were named the club of the year, just ahead of the Magpies in second and the Hawks in third.
Burras president Ben Morse said he was proud of the club, after finishing runner-up in the award category in recent seasons.
“Credit to our committee, players and members for their behaviour throughout the year… [we’re] looking forward to seeing everyone in 2022,” he said.
