WIlbur had a dominant season for the Rats, kicking a team high 23 goals to help Ararat finish undefeated after 11 matches.

He was not expecting to win the award and "was a bit confused" when his parents insisted on watching the online awards.

"They filmed it on zoom and they read out the last eight rounds," he said"

"Mum and dad already knew that I won, they had the trophy ready and I was a bit confused as to what was happening, it was a good moment."

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Wilbur shared the podium with teammate and friend Patrick Toner, who finished third in the vote count with 18 votes.

"I was excited I won and happy Pat (Toner) came third as well," he said.

"it's been really awesome playing with him for a while, since Auskick and now top age under 14s. Hopefully I get to play with him for a lot longer."

The Ararat Rats Football Netball Club runs deep in the Shea household with Wilbur following in his parents and older brother's footsteps by pulling on the red and white jumper.

"There's a lot of history at the club, obviously mum played 500 games with the netball and dad played over 200 games," he said.

"It's been pretty cool that I have been able to play here as well and hopefully play here for a lot longer."

Wilbur's mum Megan is a Ararat Rats club legend, playing over 500 A Grade netball matches. She is "quite proud" of her son's achievements, juggling playing football for the Rats, and playing for the Ballarat Miners in the Victorian Junior Basketball League.

"We get a bit emotional about it, I'm just glad there playing at the club," Mrs Shea said.

"To do what he's done when we thought he may not play (football) this season and just focus on his basketball, it's just remarkable.

He has been pretty organised and goes to show that he was really dedicated and really wanted to play, he loves his sport."

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Wilbur believes playing basketball has helped him on the football field and he plans on playing both sports as long as he can.

"It has probably helped with athleticism and being in traffic, playing higher quality basketball has helped a lot with football

"I still have some time to choose between basketball and football," he said.

A season highlight for Wilbur was his side's round one match against the Stawell Warriors, as he was able to play with his friends again after such a long layoff.

"Good Friday, the first game of the season was fun because we got back into it after a while, I think me and Pat (Toner) played pretty well that game.

It was just super fun to get together with the boys for our first game and our first win for the season."

Wilbur is hopeful of a return to the field this year in the hope of winning the premiership.

"Hopefully we can play our last game, go through finals this year and then who knows what we can do," he said.

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