UPDATE: In a stunning turn of events, Jake Egan of the Sunbury Lions has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Henderson Medal, recognizing him as the best player in the Ballarat Football League. Egan’s remarkable performance in the final rounds propelled him to victory, overtaking two-time winner Brett Bewley in a nail-biting finish.
The medal count concluded with Egan polling three votes in the final round, bringing his total to 28 votes, two clear of Bewley, who didn’t play in the decisive game. Egan’s five “best on ground” performances in the last five rounds were pivotal, as he surged past a previously dominating Bewley, who led by eight votes after 13 rounds.
Egan expressed his disbelief at the outcome, stating, “It’s pretty crazy. I’m pretty pumped at the moment.” He emphasized, “It’s the biggest honour in the league. It means a lot and I try to put in the work and it has paid off.”
The final round saw Sunbury Lions secure a major victory over Melton, with key players like Tony Lockett Medal winner Jake Sutton contributing to the excitement. Egan reflected on the pressure of knowing Bewley was out, stating, “We were all on edge knowing he wasn’t playing.”
Egan’s exceptional season included overcoming challenges, particularly when teammate Josh Guthrie was sidelined by injury. He acknowledged Guthrie’s support, saying, “He is a star. He has helped me out there with everything week in, week out.” Egan’s strong performance in the midfield was crucial in maintaining the team’s momentum.
Now, with the grand final set for this Saturday against Darley, Egan and the Lions are brimming with excitement. “It’s going to be a very fun week, and I’m going to try and enjoy and embrace it,” he said, looking forward to the challenge ahead.
In addition to his medal win, Egan was also named in the team of the year alongside Sutton and Lions skipper Tyson Lever. The celebrations in Sunbury are expected to be vibrant as the team aims for victory in the finals.
Meanwhile, in netball news, Simona Di Filippo narrowly missed a third consecutive McLean Medal, finishing just three votes behind Maddy Selmon with a total of 27 votes. Di Filippo, along with teammates Tayla Honey, Sarah Croft, and Rebecca Hicks, was recognized in the A-grade team of the year.
As the excitement builds, all eyes are on Egan and the Sunbury Lions this weekend. The community’s support is palpable as they hope for a championship win to cap off a remarkable season. Stay tuned for updates on the grand final and more developments from the Ballarat Football League.
