SOUTH Mandurah’s Blair Bell took home the prestigious Ross Elliot Medal on Monday night as the best player in the Peel Football League.
The talented midfielder, who has helped South Mandurah secure a grand final berth, ended the count on 31 votes, 14 ahead of runner-ups Brad Holmes (South Mandurah) and Jayden Caratti (Waroona).
Bell, a Mandurah local, also had the respect of opposition coaches, winning the Mandurah Mail Coaches Award with 34 votes earlier in the night.
The 21-year-old has worked hard to get to where he is.
This year marked his first full year in the PFL since tearing his ACL while playing Colts for Peel Thunder in 2012.
Bell crossed over to Peel Thunder a couple of years before the injury after taking out the Dudley Tuckey medal as the best player in the PFL Colts.
“It took me about 15 months to get back,” he said.
“It’s [the knee] been good, I just have to monitor it now.”
Modest about his Ross Elliot Medal win Bell said he thought other players would poll more votes than him but was honoured to win.
“It was just a great night for the club,” he said.
“All our grades are in the finals still and we won the goal kicking award in all grades.”
The win seemed to strike a chord for Bell who got somewhat emotional after winning, something he puts down to his brother Callum.
“I got a little overwhelmed seeing him get emotional,” Bell said.
“He’s always there for me.
“He even picks me up and drives me to the games; he’s just a great bloke.
“All he’s ever wanted to do is be a good footy player; no one tries harder than him; it doesn’t come as easy to him.”
Bell, speaking from his boat on the Mandurah estuary where he works during the day as an estuary fisherman, said his focus now turned to the grand final.
“I’d absolutely want to win a grand final more than an individual award,” he said.
PFL AWARD WINNERS
BEST AND FAIRESTS
Ross Elliot Medal (League): Blair Bell 31 votes (South Mandurah)
Runner ups: Brad Holmes 17 votes (South Mandurah)
Jayden Caratti 17 votes (Waroona)
Reserves Best and Fairest: Chris Smogavec 28 votes (South Mandurah)
Dudley Tuckey Medal (Colts): Chean Noronha 17 votes (Baldivis)
Runner up: Jake Wilson 16 votes (Waroona)
LEADING GOAL KICKING AWARDS
League: Rod Trengeza Medal: Brad Holmes 56 goals (South Mandurah)
Reserves: Clint Heal 52 goals (South Mandurah)
Colts: Brody Wemm 61 goals (South Mandurah)
Mandurah Mail Coaches Award: Blair Bell 34 votes (South Mandurah)
Alcoa Club Champion: South Mandurah
Umpire of the Year: Jason Gibb
VOLUNTEER AWARDS
Volunteer of the Year: Luana Pattern (Halls Head)
Trainer of the Year: Chris Nelson (Centrals)
Team Manager of the Year: Frank Giannini (Centrals)
Administrator of the Year: Mark Chappell (Baldivis)
Life Member: Paul Lenzarini (Baldivis)
