Darley star playmaker Brett Bewley made it back-to-back Henderson Medals on Monday night with a four vote win over close teammate, Luther Baker.
The 28 year old polled in ten of his 15 games to finish on 27 votes, two shy of his 29 vote winning haul in 2022.
The former Darley junior and Fremantle Docker took the lead after round 14 to hold off Baker, who polled in 10 of his 13 games.
Baker’s profound influence (competition rank #3 for centre clearance average) was highlighted by the fact the Devils' two home and away losses came during a period of absence from the 29-year-old as he nursed a hamstring strain.
But all honours are with Bewley, what an impact the humble role model has had since his return to the Devils in 2022.
The damaging left footer recorded a staggering eight best on grounds to win graciously in front of an approving stacked room at Melton’s TabCorp Park.
Bewley averaged a tick over 38 disposals a game to attract the eye and attention of umpires and record a historic win on a significant night for the Devils
ahead of their biggest day of the season on Saturday at City Oval.
Success on Grand Final day was seemingly all on Bewley’s mind upon receiving his second Henderson Medal.
After acknowledging his immediate family and influencers the focus shifted to Saturday’s decider against North Ballarat.
“We’re really looking forward to Saturday, let’s hope we can add another medal,” Bewley said.
North Ballarat midfielder Riley Polkinghorne, who averaged 30 disposals per game in 2023, finished the count in third place on 19 votes.
2023 Henderson Medal Top 10 Leaderboard
1st Brett Bewley (Darley) - 27 votes
2nd Luther Baker (Darley) - 23 votes
3rd Riley Polkinghorne (North Ballarat) - 19 votes
=4th Matthew Johnston (East Point), Bailey Medwell (Sebastopol) - 18 votes
=6th Jack Walker (Melton), Izaac Grant (Redan), Josh Guthrie (Sunbury) - 14 votes
