HAMILTON Kangaroos Under-14 captain, Jack Sobey, has risen above the rest of the Hampden Football Netball League, named the Under-14 best and fairest winner on Monday night.

The Roos skipper was in a three-way battle with South Warrnambool’s Leo Ellerton and Terang-Mortlake’s Max Heffernan at the top of the leaderboard, before the local polled three votes in the final round to move two votes clear to claim the award.

Sobey finished with 29 votes and said he was surprised to see his name at the top of the leaderboard.

“It was a very good reward, I was very happy to hear my name called,” he said.

“I couldn’t believe it, even to get invited I was happy with.”

The 14-year-old credited a change of position with his strong 2022 campaign, guided by a strong support network.

Sobey said it was an exciting challenge to play in the middle and be more involved in the game.

“I approached the season not knowing a lot about the midfield, I hadn’t played there before, I was a forward last year,” he said.

“It took me a few games to adjust to the new position, but it was very good.

“I have definitely been working on my explosiveness, taking four or five quick steps to find some space.

“Basketball has also helped, the way you have to move between defenders.

“I definitely prefer midfield now, I would prefer to stay there and getting the ball to the forwards.”

Taking on his first captaincy role also helped the Monivae College student work on other skills, with the Roos reaching the grand final, only to fall short against the Bloods at Reid Oval.

“It was my first time being captain, it was good to improve my leadership skills,” Sobey said.

“Dunny (coach, Matt Dunn)_has been very supportive of me during the season which has made it easier.”

Sobey is hoping this catapults his football journey to a new level with next year offering him some exciting opportunities.

“I want to try and get selected for V/Line Cup next year then the Rebels and see what happens from there,” he said.

Jake Hardy finished seventh in the Under-16 vote count, while Madsie Phillips was fourth in the 17-and-Under netball vote count.

Ellorah McConachy was the top Roo in the 15-and-Under count with 14 votes to finish 10th, Maddox Ryan was 15th in the 13-and-Under votes and Lily Raymond finished fifth in the 13-and-Under Reserves count.

Full votes on Page 15.