Daniel Freeman awarded best on ground medal in Division 3 grand final

A catalyst in Panton Hill’s blistering start to the NFL Division 3 grand final, Daniel Freeman was rewarded with the best-on-ground medal and earned some high praise from his coach.

Daniel Freeman named grand final best on ground. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Daniel Freeman was the catalyst for Panton Hill’s premiership romp on Saturday and was rewarded with the best-on-ground medal.

The star midfielder kicked two goals in the opening term to help spark the Redbacks against South Morang in the NFL Division 3 decider and was a dominant force around the ground all day.

Despite the wet, windy and muddy conditions at Whittlesea Showgrounds, Freeman’s ball use was as impressive as his attack on the ball and man.

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After last year’s grand final defeat to St Mary’s, Freeman and his teammates were determined not to let another opportunity slip.

“I can’t even explain it,” Freeman said.

“After last year’s effort — coming so close — and finally winning it, I’m just stoked. Speechless.

Daniel Freeman tackles Aidan Grace. Picture: Josie Hayden

“So much goes into the season, all the training, the injuries, what you go through with the boys, finally getting there, means the world, honestly.

“They’re a great bunch of blokes. Most of us have been together since last year and we’re all great mates off the field as well.

“The next three days are going to be awesome.”

Such was Panton Hill’s dominance, best afield honours could have been raffled.

Tim Duckworth was hugely influential off half-back, Joel McLellan was unstoppable in the ruck, while Brent Ryan, Nathan Hendry and Matt Byron would also all have been worthy winners.

“I did not expect it at all. I didn’t know it was going to happen and then when they said 32, it was awesome,” Freeman said of his reaction after hearing his name called.

“It was good to kick a few in the first quarter, I was a bit nervous going into it, as you would be.”

Freeman’s three goals were an equal season high, ironically, matching his output against South Morang in Round 13.

Redbacks coach Steve Layt labelled Freeman one of the competition’s “elite” after his showing on the big stage.

“Dan Freeman had a ripper game, he’s an elite player now,” Layt said.

“He’s the hardest working footballer at our club, from a training point of view, just works tirelessly.

“He’s brought his game to another level this year and his tackling pressure is awesome.”

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