TANUNDA star Riley McFarlane took home the Schluter Medal at the Barossa, Light & Gawler Football Association’s  night of nights on Monday, beating out Angaston duo Steve Summerton and Steve Rusca, as well as Barossa District’s Leigh Ryswyk.

The midfielder polled 22 votes on the night, held at Nuriootpa’s Vine Inn, including three in the final game of the round to beat out the other placegetters by three votes.

McFarlane joined the club from Glenelg before the start of the 2018 season, and made an instant impact in an engine room that also boasted last season’s Schluter-winning player-coach Dean Terlich and Leigh Westhoff.

McFarlane wasn’t in attendance on Monday night due to work commitments, with Tanunda president Danny Westhoff accepting the Schluter and Mail medals on his behalf.

Speaking to The Bunyip yesterday, McFarlane was surprised to have won the award.

“It was a bit of a shock to me as I missed a fair bit of footy this year,” he said.

“It’s been very overwhelming with all the congratulations, it’s a great honour.”

The Magpies will play in next week’s grand final against either Angaston or Nuriootpa, and despite claiming the Schluter, McFarlane said that’s where his focus lies.

“That’s definitely the major thing on my mind, the individual award is always a great privilege to get,” he said.

“Last year it was a bit different, we had a fresh group, we knew we had talent.

“This year I think we’ve come a long way as a team and we’ll take a lot more confidence going in.

“A week off this week will put us in good stead.

“I’d like to thank Tanunda Footy Club, of course; the two years I’ve been there now, it’s been very enjoyable and that’s reflected in my footy.”

On Monday night, Westhoff had nothing but praise for the former Glenelg player following his medal win.

“He’s been real good to the club,” he said.

“The lads from town, if there’s anything to do, they’ll come early to do some training with the 15s and 17s.

“He’s always happy to do a few dishes on a Thursday night, he’s been great.

“He’s a little fella and puts his body where no-one else does, and hands it out to the young fellas.

“Our improvement this year has come from the young lads, and that’s down to him.”

McFarlane’s win makes it three Schluter Medals for the club in four years, following Dean Terlich’s win in 2018 and Nick Schmidt in 2016.

In the reserves, Angaston’s Wade Richardson took out the award on 18 votes, beating out Kapunda’s fast finisher Chris Smith and Gawler Central’s Josh Edwards.

Freeling’s Austin Poulton took home the CDFC Medal on 25 votes, seven ahead of Willaston’s Zac East and eight in front of Tanunda’s Isaac Feltus.

In the under 15s, Liam Tappert polled a remarkable 32 votes to take home the Des Shanahan Medal, seven in front of Angaston gun Malakye Kohlhagen and 11 in front of Tanunda’s Finn Reed,  who finished third.

Tappert also received the John Dawkins Trophy as the most consistent player, as he polled in 12 of a possible 16 games.

Kapunda’s under 17 coach Travis Opitz was named as the Junior Coach of the Year, while Tanunda took home the Club of the Year trophy, with all four grades featuring in finals this season.