John Pratt wins CDHBU's best and fairest award

It a tight count, Pratt polled 66 votes to edge out Josh Holding on 61.

Ruckman Callum Butler (56), Nathan Rhodes (44) and Corey Smith (31) rounded out the top-five.

Pratt returned to the Border this season and was appointed co-coach of the Power after previous stints with Wangaratta Rovers and Wodonga.

"You ask anybody, it's a massive honour to win any best and fairest," Pratt said.

"I'm over the moon to add my name to the honour board.

"There were probably five blokes that would have been worthy winners and I feel privileged by the honour."

Adding further merit to the win, both Pratt and Holding were forced to miss two matches during the season due to the Victorian COVID lockdown.

Pratt has been super consistent throughout most of his career.

He has previously won four best and fairests and finished runner-up on a further four occasions.

The midfield ace was a joint winner with Ben Hollands at Wodonga in 2014.

He also finished runner-up behind Karl Norman at Wangaratta Rovers in 2012.

Pratt said there was one glaring deficiency on his glittering CV.

"I've never won a flag and played in three losing grand finals," he said.

"I would trade all my best and fairests in a heartbeat, just to win a flag.

"I was nearly going to retire this year due to work commitments.

"But Paul Rippingale convinced me to go around again.

"It was one of the best decisions I made and I can't thank the club enough for the way it embraced my family and I.

"It's why I'm staying on for another season and will coach the club outright after being a co-coach this year."

The Power emerged as a finals contender this season after last making the September action in 2016.

They finished with a 10-6 record and were in fifth place when the season was abandoned.

CDHBU have landed one of the biggest recruits of the off-season after securing the prized signature of Kyle Docherty who played for Corowa-Rutherglen this year.

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In a further boost the Power have kept their list intact with no notable departures.

They are confident on announcing a further two signings before the end of the week.

Pratt said there was some 'unfinished business' after emerging as one of the most improved clubs in the competition this season.

"I feel like we have got some unfinished business after this season," he said.

"To be honest, I couldn't have asked to be playing at a better club in the twilight of my career."

CDHBU are set to commence pre-season training on Monday night.

"We will have about five sessions before Christmas," he said.

"It's just to get a bit of run in the legs and then will we ramp up the intensity after Christmas.

"We have recruited well and are still on the lookout to add a couple more.

"We will be striving to improve on this year and see where that takes us."

Sean Hanrahan (41) edged out Josh Lewis (39) in the reserves.

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