I’ve never gone into any Club best and fairest night with the expectation of actually winning, so it’s fair to say the past couple of years have been quite a surprise.

Receiving back-to-back Merrett-Murray Medals – or the ‘Murrett’ as some of the boys like to call it – was pretty special, particularly when they were presented by two of the Club’s all-time greats in Kevin Murray and Roger Merrett.

I must admit, it’s still a bit surreal to see my name up there with some of the past champions of Fitzroy, the Bears, and the Lions.

It’s amazing to think that ‘Bulldog’ Murray won nine Club best and fairests while at Fitzroy – that’s more than recent champions Browny, Blacky, Aker all combined.

He’s a ripping guy, Kevin, and it’s a pity that us boys don’t get to spend more time with him, other than at the annual Club Champion dinner, and maybe another event here or there throughout the season.

All the boys absolutely love him – some of the stories he can spill from his football days are just unreal.

As we’ve done for the past few years, we invited him along to our support staff drinks the night before the best and fairest to catch-up. 

And let me tell you, he can match it with the best of us, even though he’s well into his 70s.

When I first arrived at the Club back in 2005, I definitely knew of Kevin Murray, but I have to admit that I wasn’t all that familiar with all his achievements.

Fair to say that I learned pretty quickly, and having him present me with my first Merrett-Murray Medal was a moment I’ll never forget.

He is a genuine Legend of the game, and we’re rapt to have someone of his standing still heavily involved with the Lions.

Tonight the boys will suit up for another Club Champion Dinner, which is always a highlight of the off-season.

It’s always disappointing to be having the event so early in September, as it obviously means that we’re not playing in Finals.

I can safely speak on behalf of all of the boys when I say that we’d happily give up every individual award on offer for the chance to be playing in that first week of September.

Instead we’ll be reflecting back on the year over a few quiet drinks, before jetting off in all different directions on holiday.

The Merrett-Murray Medal aside, it should be a great celebration of some terrific careers that came to an end in 2014, following the retirements of Jonathan Brown, Ash McGrath, and Brent Moloney.

The Club Champion dinner will serve as their official farewell I guess, and I’m sure everyone in the room will toast them appropriately.