In one of the closest Warren Medal counts in recent memory, Butler jumped up from second spot in the final round to finish the year on 23 votes — one ahead of runner-up and Tallygaroopna talent Claudia Callagher.
A best-on-court performance in the win over Shepparton East had Butler poll three votes to leapfrog Callagher on the leaderboard.
Merrigum defender Kate Sloan rounded out the podium on 17 votes, while Redlegs playing coach Fiona Down and Nagambie midcourter Yvette Le Cerf finished on 15 votes apiece.
Butler, 27, becomes the first player for Girgarre to triumph in the Kyabram District League A-grade best-and-fairest count in more than four decades.
“It hasn't really sunk in yet. I was very surprised (on the night) because it was such a close count,” Butler said.
“It's a real credit to the league and it shows how good the standard of the competition is, the medal could of went either way.
“I feel really lucky to have got the three votes in that last round. Congratulations to Claudia on a brilliant season, I know we didn't get a chance to play Tally, but from what I heard she had a great year.
“I found out on Friday that a Girgarre player hasn't won this award in over 40 years, so I feel very honoured.
“You don't play to win individual awards and anyone in our team could have won this award. We all put in so much time and work over summer and we were all hungry to go deep into finals.”
Butler's successful individual 2021 campaign came in her first season at Girgarre.
The 2021 Warren Medal for A-Grade netball is won by Girgarre’s Holly Butler.— Tyler Maher (@tylermaher5) #MMGSportOctober 1, 2021
The smart midcourter crossed from Kyabram before the start of 2020 after a decorated decade-long stint at the Bombers.
Butler was a member of three A-grade Goulburn Valley League premierships.
Although the shift was a difficult one to make, Butler highlighted her enjoyment of playing at the Roos.
“It was tough leaving Ky, especially after the success we had as a team,” she said.
“But my family are at Girgarre and I've loved my two years here so far. It's a great club, my teammates have made it so fun and you play better when you enjoy going to training and playing.”
The triumph capped a stellar year for the Roos, one where they finished second on the ladder and equal first on points with Tallygaroopna.
The newly crowned Warren medallist thanked her family for its support over the journey.
“I have to thank my family for supporting me and my move to Girgarre,” Butler said.
“I have to give a shout out to my nan who attends each of my games and always supports me. I appreciate her feedback and everyone else's who have played a role in my career.
“That extends to my past players and coaches at Kyabram, they've all helped shape the player I am.”
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