Roxburgh Park’s Matt Walker hoped his teammates had done enough in the final round of the Essendon District Football League season to ensure he would win the division 2 best-and-fairest award.
Walker led the medal count by one vote going into the final round but missed the round against Jacana because of injury.
The only player who could beat him was Jacana’s Beau Naim.
But with the Magpies shutting down Naim and winning by 80 points, Walker won his first division 2 B&F.
He finished on 24 votes, one clear of 2013 winner Naim. Jaguars’ Michael Evans was third on 17.
“I was pretty surprised,” Walker said after winning the award.
“I missed the last two games so wasn’t sure I was going to hang on. We won by 80 points in the final round and I was hoping my teammates would get the votes.”
Walker’s victory came even though the 17-year-old was still eligible to play in the under-18.5 competition this year.
“No way did I think I’d win it at this age,” he said. “I didn’t even think I’d be playing seniors at this age.
“I was in under-16s [in 2013] and was playing decent footy and had done a preseason with the seniors. The coach saw what he liked and gave me a few games during the year. I played all of last year in the seniors and continued this year.”
Walker, who finished fifth in the goalkicking with 49, said there was a big adjustment going from juniors to seniors.
“Physically, it’s a lot different, a lot quicker than juniors,” he said. “I got used to it pretty quickly, but [dealing with] the bigger bodies is hard sometimes. I play half-forward and on the wing, but mostly half-forward.
“I definitely want to go into the middle. I want to put on a bit of size and make the move to the middle.”
While Walker has tasted individual success, he’s hoping to have team success next year.
The Magpies were knocked out in the preliminary final this year and lost the grand final last year.
“Hopefully, have a bit more experience under our belt and go further next year,” he said.
Walker was also named in the division 2 team of the year as were Roxburgh Park teammates Jayden Walker and Ricky McGill.
Jacana’s Dylan Wolfgramm, Paul Cluney, Michael Evans, Chris Johnson, Bryce Kimulitas and Naim were also named in the team.
