Yarrawonga best and fairest Leigh Masters admits it took his almost half a season to find form.
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The mistake-free defender claimed the Pigeons' top award on debut, posting 81 votes from reigning dual best and fairest Harry Wheeler (70) with coach Mark Whiley (44), Bailey Frauenfelder (33) and Lach Howe (31) rounding out the top five.
Masters arrived with fellow Williamstown star Willie Wheeler after the 2019 VFL season amid enormous excitement, but COVID forced the season to be abandoned.
"Having that year away from footy, that first month, I wasn't as conditioned as I had been, it probably took me five-six weeks to get going as well," Masters suggested.
Having that year away from footy, that first month, I wasn't as conditioned as I had been, it probably took me five-six weeks to get going as well.
- Leigh Masters
Unfortunately, COVID reduced this year to only 13 games but after that slow start, the league quickly discovered why the 29-year-old carried such a reputation at the Seagulls, where he was also a best and fairest.
Masters' intercept marking was outstanding, constantly showing his courage by launching himself into packs and coming away with the ball.
By the end of the season, he had comfortably worked his way into the league's top 10 players.
And Masters will again need to play a leading role if the Pigeons are to return to finals.
The club contested 13 successive campaigns (2006-18), falling just one short of equalling Wangaratta Rovers' record (1969-82).
However, the Pigeons have now twice missed the top five, posting only three wins last season.
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"We're not happy sitting where we were this year," Masters offered.
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