The year of the Cobra continues, with Bacchus Marsh coach Travis Hodgson named AFL Victoria senior coach of the year.
Hodgson, who was one of four finalists in the award, was named the Gerard Fitzgerald senior coach of the year at a ceremony in Melbourne on Friday night.
After not making the grade for 15 years, playing finals again was a primary aim of the Cobras.
Once there, they weren’t content with just making up the numbers … they ended the regular season in second spot then went on to play Sunbury Lions in the Ballarat Football League grand final.
The Cobras put on a dominant display for the last game of the year, winning 13.21 (99)-5.14 (44), and their first premiership in 39 years.
Hodgson said the cup was icing on the cake of what had been a perfect year, with his nomination an honour in itself.
“It was pretty humbling,” he said. “I didn’t expect it. It was great to be recognised as having a great year.
“Once you get there on the night, you’ve got no influence on what transpires. You just enjoy it.”
While Hodgson’s name is the one on the award, he said the club, as a whole, deserves it.
“You put things in place, and you’re nothing if the players don’t deliver. It’s recognition for a lot of people who helped me and the club together. Though it’s an individual award, there are people out of the club who get a lot out of it.”
With preseason training just around the corner, the Cobras turn their focus to next season.
They’ve managed to re-sign most of the playing group, but there are two big exclusions.
Former AFL player Damian Cupido has moved to Bairnsdale, while former coach Cameron Richardson will play with Gordon in the Central Highlands Football League.
“We knew this would be the case during the season, no matter the outcome,” Hodgson said.
“Damian was always only going to play for one year.
“Cam was finding it difficult to get up each week, and we were managing him throughout the season. So he’s going back a level to play.”
The Cobras still need a key forward to help replace Cupido and Richardson, and have added three other key signings.
Former VFL player Scott Sherlock has signed, along with Ryley Stuhldreier and Dean Heta.
Hodgson said, on paper, the side should be stronger next season.
In other AFL Victoria awards, Outer North West NAB AFL Auskick region district manager Michelle Whitehand has won the 2016 NAB AFL Auskick Volunteer of the Year award.
