THE Greater South West Junior Football League is closing in on its climax with the 2022 season award winners announced on Sunday.

Tyrendarra’s Ashton Hill topped the Under-17 best and fairest vote count with 14 votes, holding off Coleraine’s Jackson Templeton by a single vote to claim the award.

The midfielder-forward said he wasn’t expecting to poll so well during the season.

“It is good, I wasn’t expecting it going into the season but it is a good little cherry on top,” Hill said.

“This is the first best and fairest I have won, so it goes straight to the top of the awards I have won.

“I was pretty happy with my season, we made it into the grand final and I am just looking forward to next week against Coleraine.”

Hill spent most of his time in the midfield and drifted forward in patches, kicking 13 goals in the home and away season.

“I like to get in and under, I like playing in the guts,” he said.

“I just want to thank my coach, Mick Doherty, and my dad for driving me to games.”

For Owen Anderson, it was just as much of a surprise, polling 22 votes to win by three, despite missing the last month of the season through injury.

The Heywood midfielder said his gradual improvement as a player helped build his confidence during the season.

“I did better than last year and hopefully next year is even better,” he said.

Anderson ended up in a plaster cast after a nasty leg injury sidelined him for the last four games of the Lions’ campaign.

“I got sling tackled and my legs got separated and were caught under him and broke my tibia,” he said.

“Hopefully I will be back out there by next season.

“I want to thank mum and my coach and the Heywood Football Netball Club.”

MVP winners

ALEC Thomas capped off a strong season with Cavendish, crowned the Under-17 MVP with 17 votes, finishing four clear of runner-up, Tyrendarra’s Ashton Hill.

Heathmere’s Artie Harvey held off teammate, Charlie Arnold, by a single vote to collect the Under-14 honours with 24.

Nason Lovett-Murray claimed the Under-11 MVP after polling 25 votes, as the Heywood junior held off runner-up, Portland’s Zayne Medina, by one vote.