Tara Murray
Whittlesea’s Taidhg Bland wasn’t sure he’d done enough in the final round of the Northern Football League division 2 season to claim the league’s best and fairest award.
Bland shared the lead in the count on Wednesday night heading into the final round, tied with Patrick Flynn on 19 votes.
When Flynn polled two votes in the final round, it meant Bland had to either poll two votes to share the award or three to claim it outright.
He claimed the full votes to finish one vote ahead of Flynn and the claim the best and fairest.
Bland said he was honoured to have claimed the medal amongst a division of such great footballers.
He said he was a bit nervous ahead of the votes being called out in the final round.
“I started the first half down forward and there were a few panic stations, Northcote bought everything they had,” he said of the final game.
“I ended up back in the midfield for the second half. I didn’t think I would get there, it was crazy that I did.
“I finally got 18 games together which was the first time in four or five years. Incredibly happy with the year.”
Bland said he had plenty of midfield support from the likes of Xavier Dimasi and Lucas Hobbs.
Both have claimed league best and fairest medals before.
“Two incredible footballers who have been here before and two blokes that I love learning off,” Bland said. “Especially Hobbsy. He has finished up this year but someone I get heaps off.
“Xavier, is second to none. One of the best blokes in football.”
The medal was a happy end to the season for Bland after the Eagles were knocked out of the season in straight sets after finishing on top of the ladder.
“It was a bit disappointing to finish the way we did,” Bland said. “Incredible to go 17-1 after last year.
“Obviously come back bigger and better next year.”
South Morang’s Tye Hall was named the coaches’ most valuable player. He finished third in the best and fairest.
In other awards, Heidelberg’s Tom Keys claimed the Frank Rosbrook Medal as the best player in the division 1 competition.
Montmorency’s Nash Holmes polled the most votes but was ineligible due to suspension.
In division 3, Old Eltham Collegians Brent Macaffer claimed the top award.
