EAGLEHAWK on-baller Ben Thompson capped another dramatic calling of votes to be declared the Michelsen medallist as fairest and best in Bendigo Bank Bendigo FNL senior footy for the ’26 season.
A maximum three votes in the Borough’s record-breaking win in the 18th round meant Thompson surged past Gisborne forward Pat McKenna and Kangaroo Flat ruckman Angus Macpherson to etch his name in league history.
After the final card was called by Kylie Ellis it was Thompson who led the tally on 17 votes from McKenna and Macpherson on 16.
Thompson was presented with the medal by Gisborne’s four-time premiership star, 2005 Michelsen medallist and Bendigo FNL Hall of Fame member Luke Saunders.
Thompson is the 12th player representing Eaglehawk to have earnt the league’s highest individual honour.
Reflecting on his footy journey with awards MC Joel Peterson, Ben Thompson said he gained a lot more confidence in his play in recent seasons.
“I am more mature, reading the play a lot better and getting to the right sports more often.”
Most of his time was in an on-ball role, but he also became a threat in attack and slotted some superb goals from near or beyond the 50m arc.
A highlight of a big season was representing Bendigo in its big win against Ovens and Murray on Queen Elizabeth Oval.
A career high for Ben Thompson was playing in last season’s senior premiership win with older brother, Sam, and younger brother, Jack.
Thompson family links to Eaglehawk FNC stretch back decades.
Selected in the club’s Team of the Century, Darren Thompson still plays a key role as runner for the senior team and the club’s under-18s vie for the Darren Thompson Medal as club best and fairest.
A joint runner-up for the medal, Pat McKenna will chase another premiership victory as Gisborne tackles Sandhurst in Saturday’s grand final.
Hawks’ ruckman Callum Heath and Gisborne’s James Gray polled 15 and 13 votes to be fourth and fifth.
The David McCann Champion Club award again went to Sandhurst FNC.
Joint recipients of the Kieser Volunteer Recognition of Service awards were Laura Power from South Bendigo, and Wendy Donegan from Golden Square.
Highly commended was Eaglehawk’s Kevin Price.
A special presentation was made to Radio Fresh fm 101.5 to mark 40 continuous seasons of calling Bendigo FNL matches.
The award was capped by commentators John Hunter and Fr Jackson Saunders on behalf of the Fresh fm on-air and off-air teams.
Individual and team awards were presented across the night:
Alan McDonald Medal, reserves football: Ethan Hanley, Eaglehawk, 19 votes.
George Symons Medal, under-18s football: Jack Moresi, Sandhurst, 17 votes; and Sam O’Bree, Strathfieldsaye, 17 votes.
Bart ‘n’ Print Rising Star, senior footy: Jaxon Howard, Sandhurst.
Representative team awards:
Derrick Filo Medal, senior footy: Dylan Johnstone, Gisborne.
Robert O’Connell Medal, under-18s footy: Josh Kelly, Golden Square.
Coffee Storm goalkicking awards:
Ron Best medal, seniors: Pat McKenna, Gisborne, 78.
Reserves: Seth Cooke, Golden Square, 33.
Under-18s: Miller Armstrong, Sandhurst, 50.
