OUTGOING Wodonga coach Ben Hollands says he’s not tempted to play on next year, despite claiming back-to-back best and fairest awards at John Flower Oval over the weekend.
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Hollands tied with star midfielder John Pratt for the Bulldogs’ top gong, adding the award to last year’s crown.
Hollands, who stood as coach of the club at the end of the season, said he was more than happy to go out on a high.
“It’s better to go out while I’m still getting a kick, than potentially playing a year too long,” Hollands said.
“My body was screaming at me, to be honest.”
Hollands entered the final round of voting in the lead but was reeled in by Pratt in the last game against Rovers.
Zach Jones finished next best in the count.
“I’m pretty rapt to share it with Pratty,” Hollands said.
“He was terrific this year in what were pretty trying circumstances with the team not going as well as what we would have liked.
“He led from the front.”
Shane Gaston, meanwhile, was rewarded for his breakout season at Wangaratta Rovers when he won the Bob Rose Medal as the Hawks’ best and fairest player for this season.
Gaston, who battled injury and form problems over the past few seasons, was probably the most improved player in the entire competition this season.
He filled the void left behind by former star utility Karl Norman in the ruck exceptionally well.
“It was just rewards for his tireless work over the season after taking that mantle from Karl,” Rovers coach Paul Maher said.
“As a coach and club, we are extremely proud of his year.”
Daine Porter edged out 2010 Morris medallist Jamie Allan to claim Wangaratta’s best and fairest award.
As expected, Myrtleford ace Kristan Height added the Alpine Saints’ best and fairest award to this year’s Morris Medal.