Sonny finished the count on 16 votes, sharing the award with Oscar Gawith of Minyip Murtoa.

It was his third best and fairest award, having previously won the Richardson Medal in the Ararat and District Junior Football Association in 2018 and 2019

Sonny was "surprised" he won the award, as he is one of the youngest players in the competition.

"I didn't know if I had a chance, I was a bit surprised," he said.

"It started in round nine and I looked at the scoreboard and I was on 10 votes, in equal second and I thought I was a chance, then I polled a few more and I realised I have probably got it."

READ MORE:

Inga, Sonny's mother, was delighted with what Sonny achieved in his first season of under 17s football.

"I think it's awesome, especially being bottom age too it's a real coup for him," Ms Kettle said.

After a year off competitive sport Sonny was initially excited to test himself against players in an older age group.

"I was obviously keen to get back to it and play, It was definitely a better competition, much bigger boys and rougher players, it's good to play with them," he said.

Sonny's best memory of the season was against the Horsham Saints when he kicked multiple goals playing from the midfield.

"I tried to play the best I could in most games, but probably against Horsham Saints when I kicked a bag from the guts," he said.

Ararat Junior Football Coordinator Mick Jennings believes Sonny has enormous potential on the football field.

"For a bottom age under 17 to win the league best and fairest is a phenomenal effort," Jennings said.

"I don't think I have ever seen that before in the Wimmera league.

"Sonny has had an enormous year; he has played beyond his years with maturity.

"He is just a see ball get ball type of player, listens to his coaches really well, has a great understanding of the game and he is potentially an AFL player if he keeps at it."

Got a story to share? Get in touch - james.halley@araratadvertiser.com.au

Ararat Rat's Under 17 coach Tim Shea was impressed with Sonny's improvement throughout the COVID-19 interrupted season.

"He has really improved as the year's gone by, his confidence, skill level and his fitness have improved , there is no doubt about it," he said.

Shea said Sonny was in his side's best five players all season.

"He was consistent throughout all the games, for a bottom aged player it was a great effort," Shea said.

Sonny was picked by the Greater Western Victoria Rebels to participate in regional trial games for the under 15 boys VLine Cup, which was due to be held in July.

Shea knows Sonny will make the most of being a part of the Rebels program.

"It's the start of his four year rebels (Greater Western Victoria Rebels) program, which is a great effort to get to the next level, I know he will do well," Shea said.

Sonny said he was determined to taste team success with his teammates next season.

"I'll try to win the best and fairest again if I can, but more importantly I want to play finals and hopefully win a grand final with the boys," he said.

While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from The Ararat Advertiser. To make sure you're up-to-date with all the news from across the Ararat shire, sign up here.