BY NATHAN DOLE
THE race for the Michelsen Medal as fairest and best in the Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL’s senior footy action in 2024 ended in a dramatic three-way tie.
Gisborne team-mates Brad Bernacki and Braidon Blake, and Sandhurst’s Lachlan Tardrew were all locked on 20 votes after the final card was called at Sunday night’s vote count at Bendigo Club in Strathdale.
The gun trio were all considered among the top fancies leading into the night.
It was the first time since 1979 when three players tied for the prestigious honour which began in 1952.
In ’79 it was Golden Square’s Eric Pascoe, Sandhurst’s Peter Tyack, and South Bendigo’s Gary Cowling who all earned 14 votes.
After the sixth round of votes had been called by Kylie Ellis it was Bernacki and Blake who led on 10 votes as clubmate and another on-ball star Flynn Lakey was on eight.
The maximum three votes for best on field went Blake’s way in rounds seven and eight.
Bernacki polled five votes across rounds eight, nine and 11.
Another big mover was Tardrew after best afield feats in the seventh and 10th rounds.
After 12 rounds it was Blake, 16; Bernacki, 15; Lakey, 13; Eaglehawk’s Billy Evans, and Sandhurst’s Lachlan Tardrew, 12, who led the way.
Tardrew was best on for the Dragons in the 13th rounds, as Bernacki and Evans gained maximum votes in the 14th round.
When Blake earned three in the 15th round he was outright leader on 19 votes from Bernacki, 18.
Tardrew picked up two votes in the 17th round while Lakey surged up the board after gained three votes in the same round.
Best on in Sandhurst’s win at Castlemaine’s Camp Reserve in the 18th and final round put Tardrew in front on 20 votes.
The final card to be called was from the Kangaroo Flat and Gisborne clash in Dower Park.
The run was Blake, one; Bernacki, two; and Pat McKenna, three.
It was the first time since 1947 when Golden Square’s Ron McHardy and Doug Wilson tied with Sandhurst’s Bill White and Rochester’s Herb Zegelin that team-mates had tied for the senior fairest and best award.
A gun ruckman who earned the Nalder Medal as best on ground in Gisborne’s grand final win in 2022, Blake said to have three players in the top four of the medal race showed what type of season the Bulldogs have had.
“We are a really tight-knit group,” he said of Gisborne’s on-ball brigade.
“I tap the ball and they do the rest,” said the unassuming ruckman who is incredibly humble about his footballing prowess.
After a tough run across the ’23 season, Blake and his team-mates are again back to challenge for the Bendigo Advertiser premiership cup against Sandhurst.
He has earned grand final wins at both clubs.
A runner-up on two previous occasions, Bernacki was rapt to join his team-mate as a Michelsen medallist.
“To be standing next to one of my best mates as a medallist means a lot,” Bernacki said from the presentation dais.
Bernacki fully committed to the Bulldogs this season after a stint at VFL level with Essendon.
Now the goal is to “play his role” for the Rob Waters-coached team in the match which matters most.
Bernacki joined Gisborne from Sunbury in 2019.
“As a club it’s one of the best seasons we have had,” Bernacki said of three footy and four netball teams to play on grand final day.
“We cherish the moments we have together.”
Sandhurst co-coach Ash Connick accepted the Michelsen Medal on Tardrew’s behalf.
“He trains so hard and prepares so well,” Connick said of the Dragons’ captain who joined the club full-time after a successful stint with Collingwood in the VFL.
Tardrew’s journey includes the 2016 premiership win with the Dragons.
“Lachy sets a great example at training and in matches.
“I would be kidding myself if I say I coach him too much.
“He is such a positive role medal.
“Lachy is incredibly talented, but works hard than anyone I’ve seen in my time in footy,” Connick said.
Leading votes for the Michelsen Medal:
20 Brad Bernacki, Gisborne.
20 Braidon Blake, Gisborne.
20 Lachlan Tardrew, Sandhurst.
18 Flynn Lakey, Gisborne.
17 Billy Evans, Eaglehawk.
14 Bailey Henderson, Castlemaine.
13 Kalan Huntly, Castlemaine.
12 Fergus Greene, Sandhurst.
12 Jordan Rosengren, Golden Square.
11 Ricky Monti, Golden Square.
10 Lachlan Gill, Strathfieldsaye.
9 Luke Ellings, Kangaroo Flat.
9 Brayden Frost, Eaglehawk.
9 Ben Thompson, Eaglehawk.
9 Tom Toma, Golden Square.
9 Anthony Zimmerman, South Bendigo.
8 Daniel Clohesy, Strathfieldsaye.
8 Kai Daniels, Golden Square.
8 Cobi Maxted, Sandhurst.
7 Brody Haddow, South Bendigo.
7 Riley Wilson, Strathfieldsaye.
Sunday’s function included presentation of all other footy awards which had been announced last Monday night on Radio Fresh fm 101.5 and via the Facebook stream.
Ron Best Medal, senior goalkicking: Fergus Greene, Sandhurst, 80.
David McCann Champion Club award went to Sandhurst on 111 points.
Bart ‘n’ Print Rising Star: Ryan Eyre, Castlemaine.
Derrick Filo Medal best in inter-league match against Victorian Amateurs: Ricky Monti, Golden Square.
Alan McDonald Medal, reserves fairest and best:
Drummond Golf reserves goalkicking: Hayden Doricic, Gisborne, 36.
George Symons Medal, under-18 fairest and best: Jack English, Sandhurst. Runner-up: Melvic Pambai, Golden Square.
Sportspower under-18s goalkicking: Oscar Cail, Sandhurst, 48.