DEFENDER Michael Bordignon has capped off a dream season by taking out Wangaratta’s best and fairest.
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The young full-back completed an impressive premiership-best and fairest double by polling 107 votes to edge out midfielder Matt Kelly by one in a thrilling count on Friday night.
They finished well clear of Ben Speight (72), Mat Grossman (66), Michael Newton (66), Daniel Boyle (61), Nick Richards (58), Zac Leitch (55), Jessie Smith (55) and Josh Porter (49).
Coach Dean Stone said Bordignon was a rock in defence throughout the Magpies’ premiership campaign.
“’Bords’ had a great year,” Stone said.
“He played on some good players and did really well.”
Bordignon arrived as one of the premier defenders in the league by starring in the Ovens and Murray’s hard-fought win over Goulburn Valley at Wodonga in May.
Kelly romped in Wangaratta’s player of the finals award, Will Reilly and Zach Leitch were joint winners of the most determined award, Daniel Sharrock took out the most outstanding under-23 player award and Dylan Van Berlo won most improved.
In the reserves, Mitchell Brendel emerged victorious from Aiden Bihun.
Big forward Frazer Judd was a comfortable winner from Jordan Storer in the thirds.
With the exception of brothers Judd and Daine Porter who will be retiring, the Magpies are confident of keeping their list together.
“Tom Whittlesea has moved back to South Australia but we’re pretty confident he will be back in 2019,” Stone said.
“At this stage most of our top end have committed.
“I haven’t had a great conversation with Josh Porter because he’s back in America, but I’d be surprised if he didn’t play for us again as the indications were he really enjoyed his football.
“It all looks pretty good at this stage but it’s a long way from the start of the season and a lot of things can happen between now and then.”
Although Grossman has been targeted by several Shepparton-based Goulburn Valley league clubs, Magpie officials are confident he will be playing at Norm Minns Oval next season.
In A grade netball, Hannah Grady won her fourth successive best and fairest award.
Albury, Wodonga Raiders and Wodonga are the only clubs yet to hold their best and fairests.
The Tigers will hold their count on Friday night with Morris medallist Chris Hyde, Brayden O’Hara, Shaun Daly and Josh Mellington expected to feature prominently.
Frazer Dale (Myrtleford), Martin Brennan (Lavington), Dan Leslie (North Albury), Brent Rose (Corowa-Rutherglen), Mark Whiley (Yarrawonga) and Dylan Stone (Wangaratta Rovers) have won the top awards at other clubs.