Bicknells is continuing its support of the Bendigo Advertiser in its BDCA Player of the Year award.

Now in its eighth year, the Bendigo Advertiser sports department awards votes on a 5-4-3-2-1 basis at the end of each first XI game.

“We’re happy to continue to work in conjunction with the Addy in promoting local cricket,” Bicknells proprietor David Bicknell said on Wednesday.

“There’s not a lot of reward for local cricketers, so we’re pleased to be able to offer a prize for the player adjudged the best this season.”

Last year’s Player of the Year winner was Strathfieldsaye all-rounder Ben Devanny, who polled 34 votes.

The award has been dominated by veteran Golden Square all-rounder Scott Johnson, who has won it three times. 

The 2014-15 BDCA season begins this Saturday with an opening round of one-day matches.

Meanwhile, as part of Newbery’s support of the award, anyone who purchases a Newbery bat from Bicknells before the end of the month receives a free set of pads and gloves.

• Leading vote-getters in the Bendigo Advertiser-Bicknells BDCA Player of the Year Award over the past seven years:

Scott Johnson (Golden Square) 174;

Adam Burns (Kangaroo Flat) 156;

Nick Crawford (Bendigo United) 153;

Andrew Smith (Eaglehawk) 151;

Craig Howard (Strathdale, Sandhurst) 124;

Heath Behrens (Bendigo United) 116;

Ben DeAraugo (Strathdale) 113;

Ben Gunn (Strathfieldsaye, Bendigo United) 108.