Joe Atley was recognised for his elite Goulburn Valley League season with his first Rochester senior football best-and-fairest on Friday night.
The bulldozing midfielder made it two wins for the Atley family in as many years after brother Shaun’s success 12 months earlier.
Atley, who played four AFL games for Port Adelaide earlier in his career, enjoyed a terrific season in Tigers colours.
His 519 possessions for the season (at an average of 30.5 per game), was second only to Euroa ace Will Hayes.
Of that 30.5 per game, an amazing 16.5 were contested, better than any other player in the Goulburn Valley Football League.
Atley finished clear of Mitch Cricelli, a deserved runner-up.
The second placing completed a big week for Cricelli, who polled 21 votes to finish third in the Morrison Medal during a thrilling count at Shepparton’s GV Hotel on Monday, September 18.
The ruckman’s haul was only bettered by winner Jack O’Sullivan (Seymour) on 28 votes and Kyabram’s Kaine Herbert, who polled 27.
Cricelli has emerged as one of the GVL’s most admired players after transitioning to the first ruck role with aplomb thanks to his high leaping and spectacular marking.
For the record, Atley, who was ineligible to win the Morrison Medal due to a suspension during the season, polled 16 votes to finish in fifth place.
Hamish Hooppell rounded out the top three in the senior football count after a typically consistent season alternating between his key defensive post and as a pinch-hitting ruckman.
The reliable Matt Kellett was a popular winner of the coaches award and Bailey Wileman took home the most consistent player accolade.
The dependable Grant Fuller secured the Gary Appleby Memorial Award for most determined player.
Sean Williams was the season’s leading goalkicker with 37 majors.
Xavier Hooppell won the reserves best-and-fairest honour in comfortable fashion.
He polled 341 votes to finish more than 100 clear of runner-up Rhys Eeles.
Brock Perishon (most consistent), Kian Verrall (most determined), James Lee (best utility) and Sam Frawley (leading goalkicker) were the other winners.
In the thirds, Ray Pearson won the best-and-fairest on 317 votes.
He finished clear of runner-up Reed Hocking (194 votes).
Tobie Woodfine (leading goalkicker), Hugh Kerlin (most consistent), Jordy Brunton (coaches award) and Charlie Palmer (most determined) were other award winners.