It was a good thing Paul Sahlberg’s brother Daniel was also at the Riddell District Football League awards on Wednesday night, with Paul needing an extra hand to take home all the awards he won.
The Riddell midfielder scooped the pool winning the Bowen Medal, Melton Toyota Football player of the year, Buffalo Sports award and was also named in the team of the year.
Sahlberg was the runaway winner in the night’s main award, the Bowen medal, winning by 10 votes.
He finished on 26 votes, ahead of Macedon’s Shaun Harrison and Broadford’s Adrian Romanyk on 16 votes.
The win comes just 12 months after he finished fourth in the medal behind good friend Dylan Murphy.
“Honestly I thought I had a good season but you never walk into these things confidently,” Sahlberg said after being announced as the Bowen Medallist.
“I thought I would thereabouts and definitely a lot better year than last year.
“I missed four games [last year] and this year I felt more consistent. I was putting up with a tag each week and I had to push. I got there in the end.”
The personal trainer said he didn’t do much different in between last year and this year.
“I always believe with my football putting in the hard yards even if it outside of the games.
“I’ve always focused on that with my fitness as I need to run away from the blokes on me.”
As well as helping take home the trophies, it was brother Daniel who got Paul to the club three years ago.
“I played with the Calder Cannons as under-18 and spent the whole time there,” Sahlberg said.
“I went to Coburg [VFL] and got injured and then ended up here with my brother.
“Winning the premiership [in 2013] is the best feeling ever and the main photo in the paper was me with my brother crying.
“There’s still a younger brother Michael to come through which is exciting.”
Sahlberg paid tribute to his dad and coach Troy Scoble as two major influences in his career.
“My dad has been there right from the state and he has taught me how to play football and put in the hard work.
“Scobs he is massive. I used to get texts before the game saying this is your game. His belief in me is amazing and all I can do is repay him on the field.”
Having tasted football at a higher level, Sahlberg is happy with where he is for now.
“As a personal trainer I work ridiculous hours and at this stage I’m with happy with where’ I’m going.
“I would love to give it another go as it’s always been a dream to make the top ranks, but I’m not sure.
“I guess that’s for me to decide.”
Sahlberg was one of five Bombers named in the team of the year, along with Bombers coach Troy Scoble who was named coach of the year.
Five Romsey players, three Broadford and Macedon players, two Diggers Rest and Rupertswood players, and one Lancefield and Sunbury Kangaroos player were also named in team of the year.
