RUTHERGLEN’S Jared Farwell sensationally polled three votes in the final round to tie Thurgoona star Jayden Kotzur for the Tallangatta and District league’s Barton medal.
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In a thrilling count, Farwell joined Kotzur on 20 votes after being best afield in last weekend’s 40-point win over Yackandandah.
They are the first joint winners since Tallangatta’s Brett Harrison and Holbrook’s Robbie Mackinlay in 1994.
Talented Barnawartha forward Jordan Wolff finished runner-up on 19 votes, with Kiewa-Sandy Creek midfielder Jason Bartel a further vote back.
Wolff also picked up maximum votes in the final round to create further mayhem on the leader board.
Mitta United’s Tyson Gorupic, Beechworth’s Lee Dale, Tallangatta’s Tim Brook and Barnawartha’s Cameron McNeill were next on 17 in one of the tightest counts in TDFL history.
Kotzur’s win comes only 12 months after he took out the Riverina league’s Quinn medal playing for Ganmain-Grong Grong-Matong.
“It’s a big surprise,” Kotzur said.
“You never expect to win these awards.”
Farwell enjoyed a consistent debut season in the competition after joining Rutherglen from Hume league club Henty.
Ironically, Kotzur’s Bulldogs and Farwell’s Cats will lock horns in the midfield during Saturday’s qualifying final at Sandy Creek.
Tallangatta’s Isaac Bunge took out the reserves, exciting Hopper prospect Rory Quinn won the thirds and Kiewa-Sandy Creek’s Ryan Bartel edged out Thurgoona’s Lachlan O'Connor by a vote in the fourths.
Thurgoona’s Sharla Sutcliffe won the A grade netball.
Just over 400 people attended the vote count at Albury’s Commercial Club.