Magpie defender Harry O’Brien took to the microphone twice during Friday night’s best and fairest count, once to accept his Best Clubman Trophy and later in the evening as one of the club’s top-five placegetters in the vote count.
And O’Brien, with his typical heart-on-his sleeve style, told fans of just how tough season 2009 had been.
The 22-year-old’s year was so difficult given the sudden loss of his stepfather, Ralph, on the eve of the season.
“There were times this season when I’d lock myself into the toilets and start crying,” O’Brien told the 1750 Magpie fans at the Copeland.
“I didn’t really get a chance to reflect on how tough a season it’s been and just thinking about it right now, I’ve learnt so much this season and this has been a bad year.
“I can’t wait til a good year.”
O’Brien enjoyed his best year on the field, emerging as one of the game’s premier defenders with his athletic, rebounding from the Collingwood defence.
He won the JF McHale Trophy for finishing fourth in the club champion award but was only a smidgeon off achieving his own personal goal, with Heath Shaw nudging him out of third spot on a countback after the pair each polled 43 votes.
“Before the start of the year I sat down and aimed to finish in the top three of the Copeland Trophy,” he said.
“Some might not have thought that was possible but here I am, I’ve finished fifth (actually fourth) and that’s after a bad year.
“My teammates might think I’m crazy but I just can’t wait until pre-season to be the best player I can be for this football club.”
Shortly after O’Brien brought the house down with his words, Swan received equally rapturous applause after winning his second straight Copeland Trophy.
The prolific ballwinner polled 57 votes to be a clear winner from skipper Nick Maxwell, who was runner-up.
“Brad Scott was a huge influence on my career, as was Guy McKenna last year,” Swan said.
“Obviously our midfield group is doing something right because our last two midfield coaches have been picked up as senior coaches so we’re obviously on the right track.
“Mick [Malthouse] has made me into the player I am today … whether you like me as a player or not, you’ve got Mick [Malthouse] to thank for that!”
