Made of the Wright stuff: Katandra gun claims Lightfoot Medal in thrilling count

Wright finished the vote count on 17 votes, two ahead of Kyabram’s Kyle Mueller, Numurkah’s Michael Eckard and Central Park-St Brendan’s coach Tyler Larkin (15), which was enough to break through for a memorable win.

The experienced and skilful all-rounder, who was runner-up in last year’s vote count, said the accolade would be something he reflects on once he hangs up the whites.

“I’ve been close a few times now so it’s good to fall over the line there (thanks) to my early season form which probably carried me for the whole year,” Wright said with a laugh following the vote count.

“It’s something I’ll look back on in the next one or two years when I finish up.”

“I’m not far off (retiring). I’ve sort of got old quick, I’m 34-35 and it’s almost time to spend more time with the family and finish up cricket.

“But I’ve loved every moment.”

Wright scored 424 runs from 10 knocks this season and managed to collect 21 wickets — with a season best effort of 6-24 coming in round three.

If the master leggie doesn’t hurt you with the ball, he is capable with the bat, which he displayed in round four with a dazzling 106 against Tatura.

Wright put his incredibly consistent year all down to taking a step back from responsibilities in the A-grade outfit.

“I think limited preparations kind of left me a little bit fresher this year,” he said.

“Having the ability to sort of train when I felt like it due to family and work commitments, it allowed me to go out and enjoy my cricket.

“No responsibility (with captaincy) and pretty much turn up, go out there and bat three and if I got away I got away, but if I didn’t then that’s okay.”

His Lightfoot Medal triumph on Wednesday evening cements his standing amongst some of the greats of the competition and adds to his Haisman Shield premiership medal.

Wright gets a chance to add to his 2017-18 flag success when he takes to the field in Saturday’s grand final against Central Park-St Brendan’s.

For Mueller, he may have missed out on taking home the Lightfoot, however, the exciting bat picked up the A-grade Cricketer of the Year gong.

Mueller chalked up a staggering 646 runs from his 10 knocks in the Haisman Shield, at an incredible average of 107.6.

The Kyabram talent finished with the most runs in A-grade, while Old Students spin wiz Liam Callegari triumphed in the most wickets category with 27 scalps.

Cricket Shepparton revealed its A-grade Team of the Year during the night as well.

Kyabram, Katandra and Mooroopna were the most represented clubs with two players each, while Nagambie, Central Park-St Brendan’s, Numurkah, Northerners and Karramomus featured in the squad.

Wright, Mueller and Larkin are the only players who made the team from the previous year.

In the lead-up to the Lightfoot Medal count, Cricket Shepparton recognised countless more players and officials.

Waaia’s emerging talent Jordan Cleeland beat out his rivals to claim the under-23 Cricketer of the Year award.

Karramomus’ Mitch McGrath and Kyabram’s Billy McLay finished second and third respectively.

Meanwhile, the B-grade Young Family Medal was shared between Old Students champion Gino Saracino and Kyabram gun Jason Parsons.

For the second straight year the Steve Winett Medal in D-grade heads to Pine Lodge after Braydon Kearns saluted over his challengers.

The C-grade Furze Medal went to talented Invergordon all-rounder Travis Murdoch.

Katandra’s Dillon Shelley beat out his rivals to take home the Barry Ward Medal as the best performer in E-grade.

Lastly, the best conducted A-grade club went the way of Katandra, with the Eagles taking home the Tom O’Halloran Memorial.