Melton South midfield star Anthony Hibbert was rewarded for an outstanding footy season by taking out the club’s best and fairest award last week.
In a tough season for the Ballarat Football League side, Hibbert was a picture of consistency, being named among the Panthers’ best players 11 times in his 14 matches.
But it was Hibbert’s finish to the season that most impressed club officials.
Despite his team being well and truly out of finals contention, at no stage did his hunger for the contest drop and he was awarded 39 of a possible 45 votes from the final three rounds.
Melton South president Peter Earl said Hibbert was a deserved winner.
“Anthony had a fantastic year,” he said. “He’s a member of the leadership group and really sets a standard.
“He trains as hard as he plays, he doesn’t miss a function and he always listens to his coaches and does what he’s told. Being an on-baller, he gets a lot of the ball and uses it well.”
Hibbert won the count with a total of 127 votes. Shaun White was second on 61, while Craig Searle was named clubman of the year.
Also honoured on the night was former Panthers coach and club great Mathew Sutton, who was made a Melton South life member.
Sutton has enjoyed a decorated career in the BFL, including being named in the competition’s team of the year five times.
He was also a multiple winner of the Panthers’ best and fairest award.
“He’s one of the most decorated players the club has ever had,” Earl said. “He’s a club legend and it was great to be able to honour him with life membership.”
Sutton retired last year, but Earl is hopeful he will pull on the boots again in 2016.
