Corowa-Rutherglen’s Sophie Hanrahan became just the club’s second player on Monday night to win the Toni Wilson Medal.
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Hanrahan polled 27 votes to edge out Wangaratta defender Hannah Grady (25) and Lavington defender Rhiannon Dolahenty (23).
The representative star went into the final two rounds boasting that two-vote buffer, with the top two contenders both grabbing best on court against Wodonga and Myrtleford respectively.
However, neither player tallied votes in the final round, handing the Roos their first win since Rebecca Didier in 2010.
Ironically, speculation is growing Rebecca (now O’Connell) will return to the club after three years with Billabong Crows in the neighbouring Hume League.
And the pair has also won league best and fairests in the Hume.
The 20-year-old is a versatile player, starting the year in attack before finishing in defence.
The win caps a terrific season for Hanrahan, who took out the Roos’ best and fairest.
Midway through the year, Grady (15) led by two from Wodonga Raiders’ Vashti Muller, with four players, including Hanrahan, on 10.
Grady had a superb start to the year, polling in the first five games in clocking up 11 votes.
But Hanrahan set up the win by posting votes in a stunning six-week period from round 12.
The 182cm utility tallied 14 votes and was extremely emotional with the win.
“I was very shocked, like I said (on stage) I didn’t know I was invited, I wasn’t really expecting it,” she said.
“This means a lot because Corowa-Rutherglen is just the absolute best club to play for.
“I can’t rave enough about them.”
Hanrahan finished with maximum votes in five matches, including successive games against Yarrawonga and Wodonga from round seven, as well as the round 16-17 matches.
Hanrahan tallied votes in 11 of the 18 games.
The Roos finished sixth at the end of the home and away season, just a win behind Albury.
Hanrahan also spoke about the Tigers stunning finals charge and how it’s possible for clubs to feature from the elimination final.
Albury will play Wangaratta in Sunday’s grand final at Norm Minns Oval.