Marty Brennan wins his second best and fairest at Lavington

The 25-year-old posted 108 votes to win from Werribee-bound forward Aidan Johnson (69).

It was his second major gong after winning on debut from Rutherglen in 2017.

The midfielder-forward was the standout for the Panthers where they became the first outfit in 35 years to miss the top five after claiming the previous premiership.

But he shied away it was a career-best year.

"I wouldn't say so, if I learnt how to kick a footy, I'd be a lot better footy player, I've still got to learn how to do that, it's taken me a bit of time to figure it out," he offered.

Brennan's self-deprecating response hides a fiercely competitive and skilful player, who elevated himself into the league's top 10 last season.

He's a wonderful mark for his size and is capable of racking up numerous possessions, while retaining the ability to kick goals, including from long distance.

It was a bitterly disappointing season for the Panthers, clocking up only five wins from the 13 games and missing the top five by a whopping 12 points.

President Mark Sanson admitted last month COVID's impact was reflected in the poor season, which is understandable given the on-off nature.

However, Brennan maintains the league's rapid improvement in the league was also a contributing factor.

"That COVID season really threw everyone out," he suggested.

"There were a couple of games we were expected to win, the competition has got a lot harder and you really have to front up for every game."

The thoughts of one of the O and M's best players will delight both league and AFL North East Border officials, with the latter implementing the points system in 2016 as part of a statewide equalisation initiative.

The Panthers had been a perennial finalist in recent years and will look to new coach and Sydney's 2005 premiership player Adam Schneider to guide them back into the top five.

Meanwhile, Connor Clayton (57 votes) claimed the reserves best and fairest from Aidan Cook (42), while Sam Male (82) snared the top award from the highly rated Corby Robertson (59).

In other news, Leanne and Darren Meredith were awarded life memberships, joining Max Grimmond, Steve Bowler and Vince Jones, with the latter also winning the prestigious Clubperson of the Year gong.

A special presentation was also made to John Hunt on 25 seasons of senior football.

IN OTHER NEWS:

He debuted on May 12, 1997, racking up 420 games.

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