ALBURY midfielder Mark Bush became the first Tiger player since Jason MacFarlane to win back-to-back best and fairests when he romped to victory on Saturday night.
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Bush emulated MacFarlane’s feats in 1999 and 2000 after he polled a staggering 219 votes to finish 92 clear of outgoing coach Luke Carroll.
The former North Albury premiership player failed to poll in only one match, against Wangaratta in round 9.
Centreman Daniel Maher (117), Charlie Gaylard (96) and Nick Carter (79) rounded out the top five.
Prized Albury recruits Andy Carey and Michael Thompson attended the count, while the Tigers are one of many Ovens and Murray clubs chasing delisted Richmond player Chris Hyde.
It is believed Hyde, who played 93 AFL matches after being drafted from the Murray Bushrangers, is weighing up between playing in the O and M or Canberra after securing employment at Tumut.
Bush said he was surprised to win back-to-back best and fairests despite enjoying another consistent season.
“I had my money on Luke (Carroll),” Bush said.
“He never plays a bad game.
“I was pretty lucky, but it was really disappointing to miss out on finals.
“Hopefully we can change that next season.”
Bush, who joined North Albury from Berrigan in 2001, played in the Hoppers’ flag in 2002 and won selection in the Australian Country team.
It was the third successive year Carroll has finished runner-up in Albury’s top award after tying with Gaylard last season and coming second to Maher in 2006.
In the reserves, Sam Duck finished well clear of Travis Gardiner and Joel O’Conell, while Will Moffitt edged out Lachlan Trethowan in the thirds.
Adelle Gormly, Marney Jury and Justine Willis were successful in the A, B and C grade netball best and fairests.
