Pat Wearden wins AFL Vic Country Medal in GVL grand final

An electric game where he created plenty going inside 50 while also winning the ball for fun netted him the AFL Victoria Country Medal - and Wearden said the result meant everything to the club.

“More than anything it's just a huge relief, after last year which was a bit of heartbreak, to be able to bounce back,” he said.

“And especially for Paulo (Kyabram coach Paul Newman), who's put so much into the football club throughout the years, to keep the group together it's relief and an amazing feeling.”

Wearden was quick to reference legendary outgoing coach Newman as not just a coach, but a genuine inspiration.

“I grew up in town and my brothers played for Ky, I grew up in the 2000s when Ky could barely win a game,” he said.

“Paulo was an absolute star, people travelled from all over the GV to watch him play. I've always looked up to him and he was one of my heroes growing up, he's probably one of the best footy players I've ever seen play.

“To be able to play under him is great, everyone is almost a little bit in awe of him, he's a bit of a god around the club almost.”

Wearden, 26, represents perfectly what makes this all-time Bomber unit so special; he played seniors at the club as a youngster before spending time on Brisbane's AFL list, before returning to his home club in his prime when he could name his price at any club in the state.

“Other clubs around the league are now striving to be like our club, it's getting the local boys back and we've always had good juniors,” he said.

“It's about creating a culture where it's not about the money, it's about enjoying footy and playing with your mates.

“I live in Melbourne, so I'm not necessarily hanging out with these guys every weekend, but I genuinely love these guys, it's a humble group and they're just really good fellas. There's no arrogance and no rifts.”