Cormack wins Hayward Medal

Eaton Boomers defender Jace Cormack has won a thrilling 2016 Hayward Medal count, polling three votes in the last round of the season to win the prestigious medal.

Cormack polled 29 votes to win by three votes ahead of Donnybrook's Curtis Guglielamana on 26 votes and the Harvey Bulls' Reece Blechynden who finished third on 24 votes.

The two-time premiership player polled three votes in each of the last three rounds.

Cormack follows in his father John's footsteps who won the medal in 1980 when playing for Carey Park.

Cormack polled the maximum three votes in seven games (rounds 4, 6, 9,13,16,17 and 18) with the versatile speedster polling the three votes in their 10-point win over South Bunbury in the last-round of the season.

Cormack told the South Western Times it was an honour to win the award.

"It is fantastic to join the club," he said.

Cormack said he approached coach Glen Dehring about a move to the backline before the season started.

"I said I was sick of playing up forward," he said.

"He threw me down at half-back for a few weeks and then said he needed someone to kick goals so I went back up forward and in the midfield.

"It was good for a change."

Cormack said despite having a reputation as one of the quickest players in the competition, he did not think he was that fast.

"I just grab it and run," he said.

Dehring told the Times that Cormack proved pivotal in defence at stages during the year, bringing experience alongside captain Will Oelsnik.

Cormack said he did not come to the night thinking he was a chance of winning.

"I couldn't even concentrate I was shaking that hard," he said.

"Dehro (Dehring) were telling me to breath.

"I didn't know how many votes I had until the last round."

Cormack said when he played he did what came naturally.

The win is the first for the club since 1992, when Brett Glass won it for Boyanup-Capel-Dardanup.

John was sitting at home with his partner when he found out that his son Jace had won.

"I am very proud," John told the Times.

"You get back what you put in I always say."

John said he never thought one of his sons would win a Hayward Medal, but he had always hoped.

"I knew Jace had a good season," he said.

Donnybrook's Luke Skehan won the South Western Times medal for the reserves best and fairest, while Collie Eagles' Jack Davidson was named the colts best and fairest.

Final Leader Board

29 Votes - Jace Cormack (EB)

26- C. Guglielmana (DBK)

24- R. Belchynden (HB)

18- J. Mahar (CE)

17- E. Smith (HBL)

K. Hams (SBY)

16- M. Giacci (SBY)

14- K. Thornton (HBL)

J. Arbon (BSN)

13- L. Beever (HBL)