By DAVID NAGEL
EXCITING Pakenham wingman Dom Paynter has capped off a stellar season by winning the coveted Norm Walker Medal at the Casey Cardinia league vote count on Monday night.
Paynter shared the league best and fairest award with last year’s winner, Beaconsfield ruckman Scott Meyer, whose prospects looked slim because Paynter 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.
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 after the count.
“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.
“I was just happy to get a good chunk of games on the park, I haven’t done that before and, basically, just supply the polish for a lot of good work from my mates.
“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.”
Paynter said that his transition back to the club had been made easy with some unwavering support.
“I want to thank everyone at the club for welcoming me back with open arms, my family, they’ve always been a big part of my sporting career, very supportive, and my girlfriend Bec as well,” he said.
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.”
In other great news for the Lions, tough midfielder Jack Kowarzik scored a runaway victory in the reserves best and fairest, the Bill Williamson Medal, while running machine Ronn Llorico finished third in the under 19 count.
The Lions had three players named in the CCFL Team of the Year, with Paynter, coach Steve O’Bryan and centre half back Nathan Brown joined by ROC midfielder Blair Allan in the 24-man team.
CCFL AWARD WINNERS
SENIORS – NORM WALKER MEDAL
Scott Meyer Beaconsfield 23
Dom Paynter Pakenham 23
MVP
Scott Meyer Beaconsfield
RESERVES – BILL WILLIAMSON MEDAL
Jack Kowarzik Pakenham 23
UNDER 19
Tristan Rosario Berwick 17
UNDER 17
Jarryd Trait Berwick 14
