Tara Murray
Parkside’s Shaun Campbell was shocked to be invited to the Western Region Football League awards night, let alone come home with a medal.
The Magpies star who was a key to his side’s grand final run, was the clear standout according to the umpires claiming the division 2 best and fairest award.
He finished on 22 votes, five clear of Point Cook Centrals’ Haidyn Shade.
Wyndhamvale’s Mackenzie Parker and Nathan Williams finished a further five votes back.
The win meant back-to-back best and fairest medals for Campbell, who won the award in last year’s COVID shortened season.
“I was a little bit surprised after the year that I’d had,” he said. “It was a reasonable effort and I was really happy with it.
“I was okay this year. I was surprised to get an invite to the night, as I had a few niggles that I had to overcome to play throughout the year.
“I didn’t think I’d poll enough.”
Having last year not been able to receive his award in person, Campbell said it was nice to be able to be recognised along with the other winners.
Campbell had earlier been named captain of the team of the year for a second straight season as well.
Voted by the coaches, he said it was nice that they appreciated his game in that way.
“To gain that position is nice,” he said. “Captain of the year is great to be seen in that light.
“I pride myself on my leadership in a game that I’ve put a lot of time into in the last 16 years.
“I’m pretty proud of that.”
While Campbell is proud of the best and fairest award, he said he would give it back to win a premiership.
The Magpies finished runners-up this year, losing to an undefeated Point Cook Centrals in the grand final.
“We were super competitive but we were definitely the second best team all year,” he said.
“I would give this back any day of the week to have team success.
“We’re in a really good position for next year and our retention has been good. Chris [Muratore] has been on front foot in getting new recruits so we’re not in the same position.”
Werribee Districts’ Dillon Viojo-Rainbow was named the winner of the Barry Priest Medal, for the best player in division 1.
He finished two votes clear of Caroline Springs’ Mitchell Bongiovanni with Altona’s Josh Bench one vote further back.
Dijana Vasilevska capped off a stunning first WRFL season with Caroline Springs, claiming the league division best and fairest award.
In division 3, Albanvale’s Liam Montrose won the division 3 best and fairest on 17 votes, three votes clear of teammate Reece Duffield.
Point Cook Centrals’ Madeline Johnson finished runners up on 16 votes. West Footscray’s Kathleen Gannon finished third, while Caroline Springs’ Kiera Whiely and Caitlyn Volpe rounded out the top five.
In other awards, the Suns Dean Cachia was named senior coach of the year while Williamstown Juniors Ellyse Gamble was named the female coach of the year.
Point Cook Centrals’ Rebecca Hicks won the division 1 netball best and fairest award, while Point Cook Centrals’ Te Pono Aukaha won the netball division 2 award.
