Bundoora’s Matthew Dennis was the runaway winner of the Northern Football League’s Frank Rosbrook Medal on Wednesday night.
The Bulls ruckman, a previous winner of the league’s top honour, polled votes in 15 of his side’s 18 matches to finish on 32.
He was named best on ground by the umpires on seven occasions.
Dennis finished 10 votes clear of Northcote Park’s Bronik Davies, with whom he shared the award in 2012.
Dennis said consistency was the key to his game.
“It’s pretty amazing,” he said.
“I wasn’t actually expecting the medal. I was really happy with my season and it’s been one of the best I’ve had since returning to the club.
“Consistency is one of the keys to my game; I know what I’m getting out of myself.”
The ruckman was among the top contenders early on in the count and by the final two rounds he couldn’t be beaten.
“It was a bit nerve-wracking early,” he said. “When I couldn’t be beaten I relaxed a bit. Last time I got votes in the final round to tie the medal. Bronik and I are good mates. I thought he was going to catch me in the final rounds.”
Dennis, who played one-out in the ruck in previous years, said he thrived on having a second ruckman in the side. It also gave him the chance to spend more time in the forward line.
He finished second in the Bulls’ goalkicking behind Gary Moorcroft. Both Dennis and Moorcroft were named in the division 1 team of the year.
“At age 30, I thought I’d have started to slow down,” Dennis said. “It does takes a toll on your body and having another ruckman has helped out, so I’ve been able to handle my body better and it’s made me a better player. I’ve never really had the opportunity [to play forward]. Now switching between the ruck and forward line adds another dimension.”
Dennis says he hopes there’s a few more years of football left in him. “I’d like to play as long as I can. Having another ruckman in the side has been good and hopefully we can play together for the next few years.”
Whittlesea’s Justin Sherman was also named in the division 1 team of the year.
Hurstbridge’s Tyron Loader won the division 2 best and fairest award, while Watsonia’s Matthew Crompton took out the division 3 B&F gong.
Lalor’s Jarrod King, Todd Hughes and Shane Jacobs, along with James Rizzolio, were named in the division 2 team of the year.
