KEELIN Betson just wanted a chance to train with the Bendigo Pioneers.
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Now the 17-year-old has joined the Pioneers’ honour roll of Neville Strauch Memorial best and fairest winners after taking out the 2016 award.
Having been cut by the Murray Bushrangers without even making their pre-season training squad last year, the Mooroopna-based Betson turned to the Pioneers for a shot at playing in the TAC Cup.
In February the Pioneers gave Betson an opportunity when he was among 27 players named on Bendigo’s inaugural rookie list, which didn’t come with any guarantees of a game.
But after impressing during the pre-season at training and in the practice matches, Betson forced his way into the round one side against the Bushrangers at full-back and never looked back, playing all 18 games as a bottom-age player.
Now his name sits alongside the likes of Nathan Brown, Brent Guerra, Mark Alvey and Jarryn Geary as a Pioneers’ best and fairest.
“I just wanted to try to have a go with the Pioneers and train with them. I didn’t expect to get a game this year, so it’s pretty hard to believe,” Betson said this week.
Asked what he attributed his successful season to, Betson – a Year 11 student at Nortre Dame College in Shepparton who made the 230km round trip from Mooroopna to Bendigo for training twice a week – suggested his hard work over the summer months and the encouragement of 2016 coach Brett Henderson.
“Brett was always very positive and always keeping you upbeat,” Betson said.
Laine Fitzgerald and Darby Henderson were joint runners-up.
Meanwhile, the function at the Bendigo Club included a special presentation to Pioneers’ stalwart Ken Gilbee.
Gilbee – who has been involved with the Pioneers since 1996 – was this year announced as a TAC Cup Legend as part of the 25 years of TAC Cup celebrations.
“There is barely a role he has not fulfilled at the club during his time involved, having spent periods as timekeeper, scoreboard operator, property steward, interchange steward, umpire escort, statistician, huddle banner operator and bus driver, just to name a few of his roles,” the club said.
2016 awards:
Neville Strauch Memorial Best and Fairest - Keelin Betson
Runner Up Best and Fairest - Laine Fitzgerald, Darby Henderson
Most Consistent - Joe Atley
Steven Reaper Leading Goalkicker - Kayle Kirby
John Turner Memorial Best Club Person - Marty Ryan
Coaches Award - Isaac Miller
Local Legend Award - Ken 'Ginger' Gilbee