Humm's sweet victory in Hayward Medal count
Augusta-Margaret River’s Jeremy Humm has won the 2012 Hayward Medal with 19 votes – just two clear of his closest rivals after a nail-biting awards ceremony in Bunbury last night.
Despite missing four home-and-away fixtures the silky midfielder wrapped up the award with an impressive six best-on-ground performances for the Hawks.
Bunbury’s Jordan Adamson-Holmes and Carey Park’s Scott Roche tied for second with 17 votes. Ruckmen Brent Hall, from Busselton and Brendan Page, from the Eaton Boomers, tied for third on 16.
The count was held at Bunbury’s Vat 2 restaurant and was attended by a who’s-who of the South West football community.
Humm, 29, has previously played in the AFL for West Coast and Richmond but has represented Augusta-Margaret River in the past two years and was a member of the Hawks’ 2011 premiership side.
``I definitely love playing in premierships but on a personal level it’s nice to be recognised,’’ Humm said.
``The challenge for me this year was to be a bit more of a leader. Last year I probably just floated along a bit but this year I really wanted to give something back to the club.’’
Humm polled highly in the first half of the season and jumped to an early lead after winning top votes in rounds four, five, seven, eight and nine.
Another to make a late charge at the medal was Collie Eagles’ big-man Paul Lindsay, who only polled in six games but still won 14 votes including four consecutive best-on-ground performances between rounds 11 and 14.
The award has been bestowed annually on the SWFL’s fairest and best player since 1946.
