AN emotional Ryan Hon dedicated Henty’s win to his good mate James McQuillan.
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Hon, who dominated with five goals, is close friends with the Albury footballer who suffered life-changing spinal injuries this season.
“James is always close to my heart when I run out on the footy field,” Hon said.
“He has been a good mate for years and we played cricket together at Echuca cricket club.
“We moved over from Echuca to Albury together to study at uni.
“He is a really great guy and I’m behind him every step of the way.”
Hon, 22, earned a recall for the decider despite only playing a quarter of football since round 14 with a knee injury.
Teenager Andrew Yates, who was the unlucky player to be dropped to make way for Hon, showed great character to run water for the team.
Hon repaid the Swampies faith with an electrifying display in attack, enhancing his reputation as one of the most dangerous forwards in the competition.
He joined the Swampies in 2012 and it was his second flag. He won a grand final with Moama in 2010.
“It’s unbelievable and the result of three years of blood sweat and tears,” he said.
“I’m just happy to be part of it.
“Obviously, someone had to be unlucky and young Yatesie was really deserving of a spot.
“Luckily, the coaches showed faith in me and I was more than happy just to be a part of it and secondly to contribute.
“I knew my role was going to be different and it was my job just to keep presenting and not really expect results but if they came it was a bonus.”
Hon will have surgery on his injured knee next Monday to repair a meniscus tear.
The live-wire didn’t rule out having a crack at Ovens and Murray.
“I hope to have a good summer of rehab and pre-season and be back better next season,” he said.
“I just want to get my body right and sum up my options from there.”