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Ryan Semmel stamped himself as the best player in the HDFNL when he won his second Cheatley Medal on Sunday.
The 29-year-old polled 20 votes to defeat team-mate Harry Whittle by four votes. Elmore full-forward Danny Brewster was third on 14 votes.
Semmel previously won the award in 2013.
“It feels great to win it again,’’ Semmel said.
“I do a lot of hard work and a lot of training to be prepared for when we run out on the park.
“I’d prefer a premiership, but this is a nice feeling.”
Semmel had the medal basically sewn up with three rounds remaining.
He was awarded best on ground five times and polled in eight games in total.
Semmel said his new role with the Hawks had helped him become a more complete player.
“In 2013 and 2014 I played solely as a midfielder, but this year I spent half my time forward and half in the midfield,’’ Semmel said.
“I basically roatated with Harry (Whittle) and we finished one and two for the league which is great.
“We’re similar footballers. Harry’s a fantastic player and he’s only 20 years old. He has a lot to achieve in his footy career.”
Whittle was awarded best on ground three times and also polled in eight games.
Semmel and Whittle were licking their wounds after the Hawks lost to North Bendigo in Saturday’s preliminary final.
“We’ve acknowledge a couple of areas where we need to pick up,’’ Semmel said.
“We’re not far away. We’re definitely heading in the right direction.”
Brewster was rewarded for his great season with third place. The big full-forward played all 16 home and games and kicked 80 goals, including four hauls of nine goals or more.
Grand final opponents Leitchville-Gunbower and North Bendigo showed why they are the best “teams” in the competition. Both clubs had seven players poll five votes or more.
Full-forward Sam Barnes, who was ineligible for the award, led the way for the Dogs with 13 votes.
Leitchville-Gunbower forward Matt Perri polled 12 votes, but was stiff not to poll more. In round 17 he kicked 10 goals against Heathcote and didn’t poll a vote.
Cheatley Medal leaderboard:
R. Semmel (Huntly) 20, H. Whittle (Huntly) 16, D. Brewster (Elmore) 14, S. Barnes (NB) 13, D. Ismail (LBU) 13, T. German (LG) 12, M. Perri (LG) 12, R. Douglas (Col) 11, S. Fiske (Hun) 11, R. Hon (Col) 11, T. Lincoln (Col) 11, C. Wanganeen (El) 10.
