By DAVID NAGEL
BEACONSFIELD ruckman Scott Meyer is a back-to-back Norm Walker Medallist after tying with Pakenham’s Dom Paynter at an exciting vote count at the Sandhurst Club on Monday night.
Meyer’s prospects of backing up his victory from last year looked slim because the gifted Pakenham wingman and Berwick skipper Madi Andrews dominated the count throughout.
Meyer’s form became a reflection of his team however, a late rally seeing him catch Paynter in the penultimate round of the season before both players failed to poll in round 18.
The pair finished level on 23 votes, three clear of Andrews who added a third placing to his runner-up finish from last year.
“Obviously, this is going to be great to look back on but we’ve got a grand final to play in two weeks and that’s my main focus right now,” the 28-year-old Meyer said after the count.
“I’d like to thank my parents, who have been supportive through my whole career, and just the footy club as a whole.
“I’m really enjoying my time down there and when you’re enjoying yourself, you play good footy.”
Paynter’s elevation to the elite of the competition has not come without sacrifice.
The 2010 club best and fairest winner took a year off in 2013 to freshen up a body that was causing him grief.
“It was a tactical move,” the 26-year-old explained.
“I was sick of going between footy and cricket season and being consistently injured, so I had a year off before I got burnt out and it was too late.
“It takes a real team effort to bring an award like this back to the club and it probably says more about my team mates than me… but I’ll take it.”
The diminutive and stylish left-footer was struggling to take a grasp of what he had just achieved.
“It’s nice to get the recognition but I’ve never seen myself as a league best and fairest winner,” he said.
“I’ve just tried to do my best with the skills that I’ve got.
“I’m small and light, with a big nose, I’ve got to be quick and skilful otherwise I won’t get a game.”
The irony of Paynter’s win is that he will now miss a cricket season, not footy, after suffering a serious knee injury in the round 18 clash against Beaconsfield.
“I’ve torn the ACL and medial, so my cricket season is done, but hopefully it won’t keep me out for all of next year.
“It was a bit disappointing in the end because I always had one eye on playing finals and I missed that opportunity.”
