Tara Murray
Footscray captain Travis Dean was not expecting to be named joint player of the Sheffield Shield season.
Dean, who played just six games for Victoria this season, shared the award with South Australia’s Henry Hunt.
Dean, who made two centuries this season averaging 47 with the bat.
Speaking to cricket.com.au about the award Dean said winning the award had never crossed his mind.
“When Grafy [Shaun Graf] called me I thought he was calling to sack me [from Victoria’s shield final team] so it was a bit awkward,” he said.
“It doesn’t sit too comfortably with me at the moment. I just played only a few games throughout the season and even in our own team a few guys like Scott Boland, Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson had a lot better seasons than I did.
“It’s an honour nonetheless.”
Dean, who made 28 in the shield final which ended in a draw, giving Western Australia the title as they were the higher ranked team, said he knew where he sat in the Victorian system.
He said he was keen to make the most of his opportunities when they arose.
“At the start of the season i knew where i was at, it was at the same position for a couple of years so when everyone is available I tend to be on the outer when there’s an opportunity that arises I’ve been lucky enough to be selected.”
On top of his six shield matches, Dean averaged 53.57 with the bat this season for Footscray in Victorian Premier Cricket in 10 matches.
