WANDELLA’S Russell Rich has given the red and black faithful a reason to celebrate, with the Bombers midfielder winning his first EG Hunt Medal as the Golden Rivers best and fairest player.
Rich polled 20 votes to win the medal by four votes from Ultima midfielder Tom Bull, with Hay’s Will Clarke and Ultima’s Jake Foster one vote behind in third at Monday night’s count.
Although Rich went home with the medal, he didn’t poll the most votes.
Moulamein coach Heath Moloney polled 21 votes, but was ineligible due to a suspension.
Rich finished the season with a rush, polling 13 votes over the final seven home-and-away rounds, including two second best on ground performances against Moulamein and Macorna in the final two games to break clear of Bull, who missed the final two rounds with injury.
Having spent most of his footballing journey plying his trade in the RDFL and WRFL, Rich moved north in 2018, where he played half a season with the Bombers before hanging up the boots.
After some persuasion, Rich came out of retirement at the start of 2022, with dynamic midfielder not regretting his move when speaking with The Guardian after Monday’s win.
“It was a bit of a shock to win it, halfway through the count, I was a long way behind,” Rich said.
“My partner and I had a couple of young kids and I didn’t really have time for footy so I kind of hung up the boots.
“The club (Wandella) got in touch with me last season and convinced me to play. My partner thought it would be good for the kids to be around the footy club, so I thought I’ll get back into it.
“The kids are loving it out there now, it’s a very family-orientated footy club, the kids all just run around together and have a great day out, which is the main reason why I came back.
“I’ll enjoy a bit of a break before we get back into it, but I don’t see any reason why I can’t sneak a few more seasons in.”
While the Bombers missed the finals, Rich was confident the club was well placed for next season.
“We had a few injuries early in the season and were really playing catch up from that point onwards,” Rich said.
“With a six team competition, anything can happen now.
“Ultima have proved that a team can bounce back pretty quick, and I’m pretty sure we’ll do a bit of recruiting and finish further up the ladder next season.”
Rich wasn’t the only big winner on Monday night, with Moulamein defender Matika Mitchell winning the Reita Pay Memorial A grade netball best and fairest.
Mitchell, who crossed over from Nyah-Nyah West United mid-season, polled 22 votes to beat Macorna’s Emmalea Wishart (17 votes), with Wandella’s Trishelle Martin (16) finishing third.
Hay’s Jensen Hargreaves was the other notable winner, taking out the Keith den Houting rookie of the year, while Hay’s Jade Auldist won the Les Pay Memorial identity of the year award.
