Minyip-Murtoa's Kieran Delahunty wins Toohey Medal: Seniors best and fairest

With one round remaining, Horsham co-coach Jordyn Burke led the count with 14 votes, ahead of Delahunty on 13 and fellow Burra John Delahunty on 12.

But Delahunty, 21, was named best on ground in the Burras’ win against Dimboola, a feat which secured the league’s best and fairest award by two votes.

Delahunty said he was stunned to take out the award.

“I didn’t know what to do. I just went red like my old man. I didn’t know what was going on,” he said.

“I was thinking about getting the day off uni and having a couple of quiet beers, to be honest.

“There were a lot of good players who could have won this award.

“I’m massively honoured and I feel privileged to win.”

Burke claimed runner-up honours with 14 votes, with John Delahunty finishing third with 13 votes.

Three of the top six players were ruckmen, with Horsham Saints big man Michael Rowe finishing fourth with 12 votes alongside Horsham’s Nick Pekin and Warrack Eagle Jake Peters.

Pre-count contenders Sam Clyne, Horsham Saints, and Andrew Seers, Dimboola, did not poll until round 10, while Horsham’s Joel Geue – who was tipped to make a late run for the Toohey – polled just a solitary vote.

Delahunty played just three matches for the Burras in 2013, spending most of the year with Carlton’s VFL affiliate, Northern Blues.

The versatile ruckman’s return to the Burras full-time in 2014 saw him poll in six matches, earning best on ground honours in rounds seven, eight, 12 and 15.

Delahunty said the VFL experience was pivotal to his development as a footballer.

“It was a great insight in terms of the way you train, the professionalism and how to play at a higher level,” he said. 

“I think that has certainly helped add some continuity to my football this year, which was one of my main personal goals.

“I had a pretty big pre-season, so my fitness base was probably one of my biggest attributes.

"Last year I learnt to play a role at centre-half-forward which sort of enabled me to push forward and kick a couple more goals than I have done in the past.”

Delahunty, who travelled back from Melbourne each weekend to play, was full of praise for senior coach Scott Arnold.

“Scotty has been the biggest influence on my footy career,” he said.

“He coached me for three years in the under-17s and then four years at senior level.

“The amount of time and effort he puts into every individual is astonishing.”

Delahunty said he would always call Minyip-Murtoa home.

“I loved coming back and playing this year,” he said.

“It’s the only club I would ever play for in the area. 

“I love living down in Melbourne, but in saying that, I enjoy coming back here every weekend and playing with John, who’s one of the best players I reckon I’ve ever played with.

“I really want to get that premiership success at Minyip-Murtoa.”

Arnold said Delahunty was still a young player who would keep improving.

“He’s been away and had some elite coaching and he’s brought that experience back and been a great influence on the group,” he said. 

“With most ruckmen, their best footy is from 25 and up, so his best footy is still in front of him, no doubt.

“He’s a young guy who just wants to improve and play in a really good team.”

Kieran’s father, Andy Delahunty – also Minyip-Murtoa’s president – was rapt for his son.

“It’s a tremendous thrill,” he said

“He’s in elite company now with a medal like that and it’s terrific. He’s done a lot of work.”