Numurkah’s Raguvaran Aravinthan praises club support after double delight at Lightfoot Medal night

Aravinthan had Mueller, Waaia’s Brandon Diplock, Karramomus’ Lachie Keady, and CPStB’s Tyler Larkin in close company with three rounds to go, but polled the winning three-vote game in round 10, with Mueller finishing runner-up with 13.

‘Ragu’s’ third season with the Blues has proved his best after joining as an import from the UK in 2023 following a stint in Sydney, hitting 436 runs with four half-centuries and a top score of 98 while also claiming 20 wickets at an average under 14 with his spin variety.

On top of claiming ‘Bert’, Aravinthan was also named Cricket Shepparton’s under-23 player of the season, standing not just as the Haisman’s Shield’s top player, but undeniably its top young talent.

However, the man himself was quick to deflect praise towards his club.

“It just means a lot that I can win it for the boys,” he said.

“They've supported me through thick and thin; they've done so much for me to get out here so that's what really means a lot to me.

“Looking back at it now, I've realised how mature I've become, just looking back from the first season to where I am now.

“It's just so much of a huge difference and that comes from the backing that you've had from the club… you come here and then it's like your second home.”

For the Blues talisman, who has been a consistent name in the runs and wickets column since his arrival, a return to March action after back-to-back misses was a particular point of pride.

The willingness of his teammates to back him in has also garnered the appreciation of the former Surrey system member.

“It's been a huge improvement just the way that we've gelled and bonded as a side,” Aravinthan said.

“I know that we didn't make it into the semis or grand final but just looking at the improvements we've made and making it into that first round of finals, honestly for me means a lot more than whether or not we made it to the grand final.”

Kyabram’s star batter Mueller, who was tallied almost 1,000 runs across local and representative cricket, again polled highly after his 499-run Haisman Shield campaign.

The third step on the podium was shared by Katandra campaigner Corey Hickford and Karramomus pace ace Lachie Keady on 12 votes, while fourth spot was split on 10 votes between Brandon Diplock, Jack McCarten, Tyler Larkin, Jordan Cleeland, and Sam Langley.