The votes are in

FOOTBALL

MID GIPPSLAND

YINNAR’S James Dowling was named best and fairest at the Mid Gippsland League vote count and presentation night on Monday.

Dowling said the win came as a “surprise” given that he had rarely polled well in previous years.

The 28 year-old was back at Yinnar in 2013 after a two year hiatus from football and had previously played for the Magpies and Morwell.

The midfield/forward player missed the preliminary final, due to a hamstring injury sustained in the semi-final against Mirboo North, and said the award was no consolation for Yinnar missing out on a grand final place.

“I would much prefer to be playing on Saturday,” he said.