Doyle Madigan suspected something was brewing when he wasn’t selected in the GFNL Team of the Year.
Invited to the Mathieson Medal, the South Barwon midfielder assumed he might have snuck a spot on the bench.
But when he was overlooked for a spot among the competition’s best 22 players, murmurings of a solid showing in the Mathieson count started to grow.
That didn’t change Madigan’s surprise when he was second on the leaderboard – one behind eventual runner-up Tanner Lovell – when the counting of votes went live.
“Absolutely shocked,” Madigan said moments after becoming South’s seventh winner of the award.
“I knew I had a good year, but to be up there at the finish didn’t cross my mind at all.”
GFNL: SWANS NOT RULING OUT GUN DESPITE BROKEN JAW
The Mathieson isn’t the only medal Madigan is chasing this week.
The 24-year-old, whose football journey started at Torquay and included two years at the Geelong Falcons. will be a key factor for the Swans as they look to reverse the result of last year’s grand final loss to Leopold in Friday’s decider at GMHBA Stadium.
“Obviously, last year wasn’t the way we wanted to end,” Madigan said.
“We’ve worked hard all year. We’ve had our games that we’ve lost, but September’s when our season’s on the line, and our best footy presents itself.
“To be back there on Friday, it’s so good.”
Leopold has won the past four meetings between the two clubs by an average of 52 points, including 74 points in their most recent meeting in Round 15.
“We try not to focus on them too much,” Madigan said.
“We understand they’re a great side, as so many sides are in this comp.
“We know their mids are strong. I think we’ll just try and play our best football, and the result takes care of itself.”
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