The best-and-fairest honour was jointly awarded to the pair at the end of the 2024 Murray Football Netball League Awards held at Moama Bowling Club on Sunday, September 15.
Both Beasley and Russell have played in the Murray League since they were boys and have remained loyal to their junior clubs.
They received 22 votes apiece in the medal count, which was enough to top runner-up Jack Norman from Congupna.
The two have been playing opposite each other since they were 12 years old, and played most of their age grades in the same competition.
Now, the players are captaining their clubs at a young age, hoping to bring a flag to their respective towns.
During his acceptance speech, Beasley said he felt honoured to be awarded alongside Russell and highlighted their loyalty to their respective clubs.
“We’ve played at our local clubs and stayed loyal. We haven’t quite won a flag each that you hope to stick around for, but it is nice to receive some recognition,” he said.
“To be up next to him is an honour; he’s a joy to watch, smooth mover, goes forward, kicks goals, and I’ve enjoyed watching his finals series this year.”
Russell acknowledged the relationship he had formed with Beasley over the years and their competitive spirit.
“I have played a lot of footy with Sam since we were about 12, so it’s certainly competitive,” he said.
“We have built a relationship over the years, and the way he goes about it is a credit to him.”
Beasley emphasised what winning the O’Dwyer Medal meant to him, considering the O’Dwyer family is highly respected in both the Murray League and Cobram.
He also named his father as his main inspiration during his football career and wished to emulate his success, as he is the most recent Cobram captain to win a premiership.
“The O’Dwyer family is a highly respected and proud family in the Cobram-Barooga community, so it’s a real honour to win a medal with their name,” he said.
“Dad has played a big part in my football career; I’ve always wanted to follow in his footsteps. He’s Cobram’s last premiership captain, and that goal has kept me around to accomplish that.”
Meanwhile, Russell spoke about his love for the Moama Football Club and how proud he was to be able to captain the side through good and bad seasons.
He also voiced his pride in winning the award, even if he felt overwhelmed with having received it.
“I got named as a co-captain a few years ago, and at the time, the club wasn’t going that well, so to be there through the bad parts to now the improvement in the last couple of years is something I’m proud of,” he said.
“It’s a good club to be a part of, and I can’t do it without all the boys I play with; they let me do my thing, and it’s a great place to be.
“There have been some super players named as winners of this medal in the past, so it feels a little bit uncomfortable to be named alongside them, but it’s a great award, and I’m proud of it.”
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