YARRAWONGA young gun Connor Hargreaves became the first player in history to win the Did Simpson Medal in a losing side when he was judged best on ground in yesterday’s loss to Albury.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
He was also the youngest winner of the award.
Hargreaves, 19, was a rock in defence all day for the Pigeons and said there was no doubt it was the best game of football he had ever played.
“I think so,” Hargreaves said.
“I gave my all for the team and unfortunately we didn’t get over the line.”
Hargreaves was given the job of tracking former Carlton rookie Aisake O’hAilpin deep in defence and did it beautifully.
He had 21 touches, including 18 kicks, took nine marks and laid seven tackles.
That’s not to mention his seven spoils.
The young tall, who represented Victoria Country at under-19 level earlier this year, took a stack of telling grabs in defence and wasn’t daunted by the big stage.
He also floated back to help fellow backman Marcus McMillan compete with Albury ace Setanta O’hAilpin.
“Obviously Aisake changed a bit in the middle but I went with him for most of the game,” Hargreaves said.
“Setanta is a decent forward and all the help I could give Motor, I did.”
Yarrawonga co-coach Chris Kennedy has been a long-time fan of Hargreaves and was rapt with the youngster’s output on the biggest stage of all.
“He was great,” Kennedy said.
“He stepped up last week when we put him on Adam Prior and it was great to see him recognised.
“He’s a pretty special talent.”
Hargreaves said he didn’t plan on leaving the Pigeons any time soon but a higher standard of football may be calling after his performance in the grand final.
“All I want to do is keep improving and trying to get better,” Hargreaves said.
“I was very happy with my game.
“I’ve been a Yarra boy all my life and I’ll stay here for the rest of my life, I think.”