The popular back man was one of the Lions best in its preliminary final loss to Jindera on Saturday and was worthy compensation for another outstanding season playing across half back and midfield.

The former Albury and Ovens and Murray league representative polled a best on ground in round 19 to put the result out of reach of its nearest opponents. Fruean finished with 24 votes.

Although devastated that Culcairn will not play in the grand final, Fruean said, “winning the Azzi medal is a great honour.”

Born and bred at Howlong, he came to Culcairn three and a half years ago straight from the Albury Tigers.

“I’ve been lucky enough to play further up the field this year rather than the back pocket,” said Fruean who played in a position that suited him.

Presenting the medal at the Hume League award dinner on Sunday night, Garvin Azzi said his family had had a long association with the Hume League.

Mr Azzi congratulated the league which has had a great year with a new and expanded competition.

Osborne midfielder Adam Gooden was runner up with 20 votes. Unlike Fruean, Gooden is looking forward to contesting Jindera in the grand final on Saturday.

A seasoned player who has come up through Osborne’s junior ranks, Saturday’s contest will be Gooden’s seventh grand final.

Although his team has won four, Gooden has played a part in three of the victories after missing out on one grand final win due to injury.

Howlong’s Steven Murphy who with Joel Mackie of Jindera played representative football for NSW, gained third place in the best and fairest line-up, also on 20 votes.

Odewahn medal winner Michael Gleeson from Osborne gained 24 votes from runner up Trent Boers of Holbrook on 19 votes in the reserves.