Magpies ball-magnet, Ben Jaenke-Cain, took out his first Bill Pierce Medal, as the Western Magpies best and fairest.
The win came as little surprise to most, with Jaenke-Cain the team’s standout player in 2014, after a breakout season.
Jaenke-Cain finished on 149 votes to take out the Medal, 63 votes clear of defender, Chris Hunt (86), with ruckman, Dom Beer on 82.
The 23 year-old said he had a feeling it might be his year, after averaging 30 touches a game.
“I knew the other two guys behind me would be competitive, but I was pretty confident that I was going to win,” he said.
“It’s been my best year, as a senior footballer, definitely.”
With a swathe of senior players retiring last season, Jaenke-Cain relished the opportunity to take the primary role in the midfield.
“I played midfield as a junior, so it was bit like a duck to water,” he said
The midfielder said it felt extra special to win the prestigious award, at the Magpies, where has played since U14s.
“I’ve always bled black and white, even as a junior and it’s a privilege to put on the jersey every week and play for the Western Magpies,” he said.
“I’ve always looked up to the seniors players and I’ve played with most of the previous winners, so it was a great honour to stand up there and be put in (that group).”
Beer took home the Players’ Player Award and Most Consistent, rewarding him for a strong effort in the ruck for the Magpies.
Mitchell Stallard won the Club Award and the Rising Star award, after an impressive year on the wing, while Luke Mitchell took out the Coach’s Award after showing incredible improvement in his first year of senior football.
Douglas Lawrence’s tireless backline efforts did not go unnoticed, with the defender awarded the Most Courageous.
With a new coach in Glenn Humphrey and a number of different faces on the field, Jaenke-Cain said 2014 had signalled some change in the club, and said he was excited for what the future held.
“The feeling (this year) was one of definite change but of better change and the atmosphere was getting back around the boys and really commit to the club.
“Next year, I’m feeling pretty confident that we’ll definitely push for finals, looking to get build from year.”
Votes
2014 Playing Season
1. Ben Jaenke-Cain 149
2. Christopher Hunt 86
3. Dominic Beer 82
4. Aaron Yusia Maricic 45
5. Douglas Lawrence 37
6. Mitchell Stallard 35
7. Lachlan Woods 31
7. Luke Mitchell 31
7. Sean Mewing 31
10. Hayden Thick 27
Barry ‘Phantom Johnstone’ Trophy – Club Award – Mitchell Stallard
Goal Kicking Award – Jordan Bain
Coach’s Award – Luke Mitchell
Joe Schaffert & Kevin Garner Award –Most Consistent –Dominic Beer
Rising Star –Mitch Stallard
BG Award – Most Courageous – Douglas Lawrence
Eastlake FC Players’ Player Award – Dominic Beer
