Lehman, Hazendonk claim EDFL honours

EDFL president Roger Gwynne with joint best and fairest winner Russ Lehman of Longwarry. Pictures: COURTESY OF JEFF TULL/EDFL

By Hayley Wildes

In an even season that saw many players shine bright in the Ellinbank and District Football League, it was only fitting that two players tied for the 2018 senior best and fairest award; the Alf Walton medal.

Longwarry star midfielder Russ Lehman and Poowong young gun Jack Hazendonk tied for the medal on 27 votes after playing in all 18 home and away season games.

Catani’s Nick Visser (25 votes) was runner up, while last year’s winner Paul Pattison (24 votes) finished third and Warragul Industrials’ Tyson Bale (23 votes) came in fourth.

Lehman, having returned to the EDFL this year after a handful of seasons with Pakenham, made an immediate impact with his ability to win the hard ball and distribute with sublime skills.

Prior to the count on Monday night, Longwarry playing coach Daniel Fry said he’d be ‘very, very, very, very surprised’ if Lehman didn’t take home the award.

“Russ is getting better and better each week and his work rate has been enormous – every week he rises to a new challenge.” Fry said.

Lehman will be hoping to add another medal on Saturday afternoon when he will play a vital role in Longwarry’s quest for premiership glory at Western Park.

Hazendonk arrived at Poowong this season after playing for Devon Meadows in 2017. His relentless attack on the ball and smarts around goal – he booted 27 goals for the home and away season – made the 23-year-old a tough cover all season.

After a stirring first-week finals win against Catani, a game in which Hazendonk dominated, Poowong coach Mick Hawken spoke about what makes him so dangerous.

“Jack is a quality player – he’s still only young and learning a lot, but he’s got a lot of raw ability and he’s shown many times that he’s a very hard fella to match up on and he’s not afraid to go in and get the footy.” He said.

Meanwhile, the Dusties’ Damien Mullen (23 votes) claimed the Gerard Heenan medal for the reserves best and fairest – two ahead of Longwarry’s Ryan Wouters.

Last week at the league’s junior presentation night, Neerim Neerim South rising star Rhys George (37 votes) was the runaway winner of under-18s best and fairest – 11 clear of Nyora’s Travis Stewart in second.

Longwarry’s Bailey Stephens (35 votes) was crowned under-16s best and fairest – 12 clear of runner up Isaac Fuller from Neerim Neerim South.

In the Ellinbank and District Netball Association, the Warragul Industrials took home A, B and C Grade best and fairest honours in an evening dominated by the Dusties.

Stacey Lawry (35 votes) claimed the win in A Grade – four ahead of Ellinbank’s Sam Hodge, while Megan Spencer (29 points) took out B Grade honours – four clear of Ellinbank’s Mia McGarrity, and Caroline Purcell (26 points) was crowned in C Grade.

Longwarry’s Paris Toner (32 votes) won D Grade, while Poowong’s Dallas Loughridge (37 votes) claimed E Grade honours and F Grade was won by Ava Gaul (41 votes) of Ellinbank.