Henderson Medallist Brett Bewley rekindled his love of football after returning to his junior club Darley this year.
Bewley, who captained the Devils this year, was on Monday night awarded the Ballarat Football League’s top honour.
He polled in 13 of the 16 games he played to finish on 29 votes, 13 clear of East Point’s Jordan Johnston.
For Bewley, the return home was a happy one. He started his football at the club before playing in the Victorian Football League and then got drafted and playing 25 games with Fremantle.
“I’m pretty happy with that,” Bewley said of the Henderson Medal win.
“I was lucky enough to have a few rounds for it to sink in. It was a good feeling and privilege to have won it.
“I really enjoyed the season a lot and a big thanks to all my teammates, making it what it was.”
Bewley said he had always wanted to return to play at Darley at some stage and after he and his partner decided to move back to Victoria, it was the right time.
“I got the chop,” he said. “My partner and myself had a little baby boy at the start of the year and we were always coming back home.
“I had a few things to way up, including playing in the state league or what not .
“I always had the desire to come back and play with my home club. There’s a lot of people there that I consider to be part of my family.
“I owe the club a lot, they played a big part in me growing up. I’ve got to play with my brother for the first time this year, it’s something we’ve always wanted to do.”
Bewley said it had been enjoyable returning to the club, but it wasn’t always easy. He said he had a little bit of a target on his back, but it was something he enjoyed.
Bewley also gave credit to coach Dan Jordan who allowed him a bit more freedom in his game.
The Devils, who were winless last season, made the semi finals, before losing to Ballarat by a point.
Bewley returned for that match having missed their elimination final through injury. He said the result would only make them better.
“I’d seen what they went through last year and I wanted to come back and make sure to have an impact to show some younger boys coming through what it is about.
“We only really played a half of footy [against Ballarat]. For the boys its a bit of fire for the off season and we can take that momentum into next year.
