Sport
13 September, 2022
Runner-up Maskell award for Pekin
COBDEN midfielder Paul Pekin has finished runner-up in the Hampden League’s Maskell Medal vote count.
COBDEN midfielder Paul Pekin has finished runner-up in the Hampden League’s Maskell Medal vote count.
Finishing on 21 votes, 10 behind eventual winner Daniel Jackson from Portland, Pekin said he was “thrilled” to receive the award but was totally surprised by how well he polled.
“It really took me by surprise to be honest,” he said.
“I didn’t give myself a chance at all. I guess I played a few good games throughout the home and away season but I wasn’t as consistent as I would have liked.”
Cobden finished the home and away season in sixth place, with six wins on the board, four games behind Warrnambool in fifth spot.
“We certainly would have loved to have played finals, that’s what we all play for, but I’ll be back at Cobden next season and hopefully we can finish in the five,” Pekin said.
Pekin acknowledged the efforts of senior coach Dan Casey and assistant Jake Evans, thanking them for their work throughout the year both on and off the field.
“They both helped me with a lot of things, both on and off the ground, and I’m grateful to them both,” he said.
“Our club trainer, Julie Giblett, also puts in a lot of voluntary hours. Like most clubs we rely on volunteers to keep the club going week after week; their efforts don’t go unnoticed.”
Pekin was also named in the Hampden League’s 2022 Team of the Year.