He's always been quiet and in the background and happy for the team to have the glory
- Nick Meredith
LAVINGTON'S Nick Meredith has described veteran midfielder John Hunt's decision to withdraw himself from the Panthers' premiership side as one of the most selfless acts he has seen in football.
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Meredith said the playing group was told Hunt's shoulder injury would keep him out of the grand final on the Saturday morning before the match.
"It's pretty unreal what 'Rex' (Hunt) did," Meredith said.
"That's as selfless as it gets.
"It's the sort of person he is though.
"He's always been quiet and in the background and happy for the team to have the glory."
An emotional Hunt has politely declined several interviews this week, saying the grand final was still "too raw" to talk about.
Meredith said the Panthers were buoyed by Hunt and fellow Panther Matt Pendergast running the water against Wangaratta at Norm Minns Oval.
"It was great to have them out there," he said.
"There was a lot of footy knowledge running around out on the ground. It made a massive difference."
Meredith has missed the majority of Lavington's premiership celebrations after breaking his collarbone during the third quarter of the 34-point victory.
He underwent surgery on Wednesday.
"I've been in hospital which has been a bit disappointing as I've missed out on being around the boys but I'll catch up with them at the presentation night and over the weekend," he said.
"It's still sinking in a bit to be honest."
Meredith blamed himself for the injury.
"As soon as I went to the contest I thought I shouldn't have done that," Meredith said.
"I went in half arsed and didn't protect myself properly."
