Pearce medallist Jake Ellery has credited a focus on his running and a big pre-season for his standout 2023 campaign.
The Strathmerton star midfielder is busy preparing for Saturday’s Picola District Football League grand final against Waaia following his thrilling win in Monday night’s senior best-and-fairest vote count.
Ellery edged out last year’s winner Ash Holland to claim his maiden Pearce Medal.
The Melbourne-based plumber said he was shocked to walk away from the presentation night with the league’s top gong.
“It did surprise me a little bit. Ash is a hard man to chase down,” Ellery said.
“I thought I had a pretty consistent year, but those nights you don’t know where you’ll end up and you’re not sure how much the umpires noticed you.
“My work-rate outside of footy; I just focused a lot more on my running and I got a running coach who helped me to get fitter and quicker. I thought that was the big difference.
“I wanted to be that mid that could run out games, that didn’t have to rotate as much, so yeah, running was a massive part of it.”
The tough and hard-nosed on-baller confessed it was stressful night as his name continued to get read out.
“It was pretty nerve-racking mate, I don’t pull a good poker face,” Ellery said with a laugh.
“I wasn’t too good actually, I didn’t cope at all. I had sweaty hands and everything.”
Ellery’s triumph came in his third year at the Kennel, following a brief stint at fellow Picola league club Mathoura after he relocated to Echuca seven years ago.
Although the pandemic forced him to shift back to the big city, the talented and skilful midfielder has made the trek north up the Goulburn Valley Hwy to remain at the Bulldogs.
“When you get a chance to join a club like Strathy you can’t knock it back,” he said of his move.
“I wanted success as a footballer and what better club than Strathy to try and get that.”
Ellery is hopeful that success is around the corner ― starting with Saturday’s big dance.
“I lost a grand final by a point and it still haunts me,” he said.
“Waaia are unreal; we’re all aware how dangerous they can be and their midfield is very strong.
“Hopefully we can match it and have a strong showing of support from the home crowd.”