In his first season with the Spiders, Jolliffe collected 26 votes to win by five votes from his nearest rivals.

Culcairn midfielder Jye Shields and Henty gun Daniel Cox both finished on (21) votes. It was the second year in succession that Shields had finished runners up.

Cox had earlier in the awards evening been presented with the coach’s award voted by coaches in the home and away season.

Recent winners for Howlong were Peter Hancock (2013, 2016), Adam Hansen (2006), Anthony Ross (2002) and Jim Sandral Jnr back in 1997.

Jolliffe, who previously represented the Ovens and Murray FL when playing at Wodonga Raiders, was a worthy winner polling in 11 matches.

He had played the previous season at Collingullie-Glenfield Park in the Riverina FL after crossing mid-season from Raiders.

Jolliffe who has signed on for a second season at Howlong as assistant coach said the honor is one of the highlights of his career.

“Last year was really tough for me and it was good to enjoy my football again,” Jolliffe said.

“My form was pretty consistent and I owe a lot to Howlong for making me feel at home.” 

Cox looked a likely winner after racing to 14 votes after just six rounds, before an injury slowed his voting not polling again until round 14.

Holbrook captain Josh Jones finished third on 20 votes while Osborne youngster Declan Galvin polled superbly finishing on 19.

The Odewhan Medal for best and fairest in reserve grade was won by Brock Burrum Saints’ Zac Barrenchea on 25 votes.

Again, there was a tie for runners up with last year’s runner up Matt Louwrier from Jindera and Howlong veteran Andrew Reid on 19. Osborne’s Mick Gleeson was third on 16.

Rand Walbundrie Walla defender Jess Kotzur was the winner of the Hume netball best and fairest defeating a star studded lineup.

After finishing fifth in 2017 Kotzur found another level to become the first ever Giants player to win the award.

Kotzur clinched the thrilling win with two best on court performances in the final two rounds to win by two votes finishing with 28.

Just like the senior football count there were two runners up with both players being former winners of the league best and fairest.

Beck O’Connell the coach of the winning Billabong Crows A grade team tied with Jindera star Sharna Holland on 26.

Kotzur, who polled in an amazing 13 matches, finished with five best on courts. The Giants’ were beaten in the preliminary final by Lockhart.

In a close count third place was also shared with Osborne’s Courtney Menzies and rising Billabong Crows star Holly Dowling on 23.

Jindera’s Courtney Katalinic was next on 21 with Lockhart youngster Holly Murphy one vote behind on 20.

In B Grade it was more success for the Rand Walbundrie Walla Giants with Brianna Higgins a comfortable winner with 28 votes.

Second place was a thrilling three way between Angela Kavanagh (Brock Burrum), Denise James (Henty) and Tara Lieschke (Murray Magpies).

The 2018 AFL NSW/ACT Hume Football Netball League Volunteer of the Year went to Janelle Garlick from Rand Walbundrie Walla for her tireless work over many decades.

The 2018 Rising Star Award in the senior football went to Osborne’s Declan Galvin who polled so well in the Azzi Medal count. It was the ninth year of the award.

The 2018 Hume league Club Umpire of the Year was awarded to Henty stalwart Brett Singe, while Laurie Sly from Osborne was recognized for his long service as a goal umpire.

The overall football and netball club champion award went to Osborne.

Jindera won the football and Rand Walbundrie Walla won the netball club champions respectively.