THERE’S no secret to Matt Seiter’s most successful season at Wodonga is his improved fitness.
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But the workhorse ruckman also believes fiancee Emily Jones and coach Dean Harding played telling, but different, roles in making him the player he is today.
Seiter put the icing on a breakout season by romping home in Wodonga’s best-and-fairest award at the John Flower Oval on Saturday night.
It was the first time Seiter had taken home the Ted West Memorial Trophy.
“I put it down to fitness and my missus,” Seiter said.
“She’s settled me down a bit.
“I’d probably be out Saturday till Sunday night most weekends so she’s a great influence.
“I’ve got a really close relationship with Dean Harding and working with him has been great.
“He’s relatable and knows how to get the most out of everyone.
“That was getting me fit and managing me well.”
The 28-year-old also won the players’ player award.
In the best-and-fairest count, Seiter polled 141 votes to beat midfielder Josh Hicks by 35 and defender Sam Livingstone by 47.
John Pratt (84 votes) and Mckye Turner (73) rounded out the top five.
Seiter joins illustrious company, with Ben Hollands, Jarrod Twitt, Matt Shir, Brad Thompson and Simon McCormick all previous winners.
Hollands tied with Pratt in last year’s count.
“It means a fair bit to me because I’ve played all of my juniors there,” Seiter said.
“You grow up watching these senior guys play and to win the best-and-fairest in a year we weren’t bottom of the ladder is extra special.”
Seiter, who was included in the interleague squad this year, said he’d use his season as a launching pad for the pre-season.
And he plans to be back fitter than ever next year.
“In 2013 I had a good year but wasn’t fit enough,” Seiter said.
“Last year was a write off because I hurt my knee.
“I’d like to get even more fitter and lead the club more and bring along the younger blokes.”
Bob Russell won the reserves best-and-fairest award, while Harry McKimmie took out the thirds.
And it was a thrilling count in the A grade netball.
Anna Avery upstaged her more fancied teammates to win the top award.
Avery polled 73 votes to beat Rebecca Cameron by two, with Jane Cook third after polling 58 votes.
Sarah Walker won the B grade award, Melanie Scatchard took out the C grade and Jessica Miles won the 16 and under award.