MINYIP-Murtoa ruckman Lenny Clark cast a dominant shadow over Wimmera Football League this season; now he has the spoils to show for it.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Clark, 27, won his first Toohey Medal on Monday night, coasting to victory by round 15 and eventually winning by nine votes from Horsham United ruckman Shannon Argall, 25 votes to 16.
Argall received the Wimmera Mail-Times, Harvey World Travel footballer of the year award, which he beat Clark to win.
Dimboola midfielder Clancy Bennett finished third with 14 votes and also claimed the best opposition player award.
The Burras star said he didn't consider himself a chance to win the award, despite describing his season as 'consistent'.
"I thought I had a consistent year but I couldn't remember any real standout games," he said.
"It is good to be consistent, better than having a great game and then disappearing the next week."
Clark, a former Brisbane Lions rookie and Murtoa Magpies junior, revealed he had played through the season with a knee injury suffered during a pre season game.
"I am going in for athroscopic surgery in the next couple of weeks," he said.
"I'm hoping it is just a clean up but once they get in there they might need to do further work.
"But I plan to be back on field by next year."
Clark returned to the Burras at the start of the 2009 season.
He said he was proud to claim the award and loved being back at his club.
"I love it," he said.
"Every football club can be fun but there is something special about being back at your home club.
"You have different relationships with people and you know everyone and what their story is."
Clark received boisterous support from the Burras table throughout the night.
"I'm a pretty quiet kind of guy, I think everyone got a bit carried away," he said. "But that is something about the club. Everyone gets behind us whether they are involved with the club or just a supporter."
Argall, who has re-signed as Diggers coach for 2011, paid tribute to Clark, saying he enjoyed battling against the Burras ace.
"We have had some fantastic battles this season," he said.
"I have really enjoyed battling with great players like Lenny this season; we had some good tussles."
Warrack Eagles star Sarah Koschitzke won the Heather Hatcher Medal for the best and fairest Wimmera Netball Association A Grade player.
