HOWLONG ruckman Peter Hancock has become only the ninth footballer to win multiple Azzi medals.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hancock, who topped the count in 2013, polled 23 votes to edge out injured Murray Magpies big man Jesse Johnston by two.
CDHBU speedster Kade Rowe came third in a thrilling count at Henty on Wednesday night.
Hancock had few expectations leading into the best and fairest with the former Lavington big man confident Johnston, who suffered a badly broken leg late in the season, would win.
“It’s surprising,” Hancock said.
“I actually only went out to Howlong in the first place because they wanted my girlfriend to play netball.
“She’s my wife now and she’s coaching the B-grade netball side.
“I’ve loved playing at Howlong, I couldn’t be happier.
“I thought Jesse would win because I think he took 1000 marks against me before half-time when we played against each other earlier in the season.
“(Teammate) Hamish Clark had a great year as well.”
Hancock recently won Howlong’s best and fairest and has committed to the club for next season.
The strong-marking Spider polled in 10 matches and was best afield on five occasions.
Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock co-coach Luke Brauer led the count at the halfway mark with 13 votes before Hancock hit the lead in round 13 and refused to hand it back.
Besides Clark, the other major surprise of the night was Billabong Crows co-coach Al Austin polling only eight votes.
Fellow pre-count favourites Josh McCudden and Kris Holman managed nine for Brocklesby-Burrumbuttock and Jindera respectively.
Hancock joins Culcairn’s Brent Barber (2004 and 2007), Holbrook’s Noel Coutts (2002, 2003 and 2004), Osborne’s Stephen Clarke (2000 and 2001) and Rob O’Connell (1988 and 1990), Howlong’s Terry O’Halloran (1983, 1988 and 1989), Burrumbuttock’s David Schilg (1986 and 1991), Henty’s Craig Lieschke (1982 and 1984) and Walla’s Merv Wegener (1961 and 1964) as multiple winners.
In the reserve count, Henty’s Daniel Terlich polled 21 votes to hold off Osborne veteran Mick Gleeson by two.
Howlong’s Darren Bush came third.
Spring-heeled Spider Jessy Wilson won the third-grade count on 29 votes with teammate Jacob Winter-Weidner runner-up. Lockhart’s Abe Wooden finished third on 24.
Henty’s Josh Klemke polled in 16 rounds to edge out Osborne’s Royce Hunter by three in fourth grade.
About 300 people attended Wednesday night’s count.
