Billabong Cup
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PERSONAL accolades are nice, but the team comes first in the eyes of Hanwood FC's Demetrio Torino.
The 23-year-old central midfielder was named the Billabong Cup's best and fairest player at the Griffith District Football Association presentation dinner on Friday night after producing a brilliant season.
Torino polled 15 votes to edge out Yoogali Soccer Club's Joe Preece (14) and West Griffith's Jack Nodder (13) for the award.
Surprised to hear his name called out, a modest Torino said he didn't rate his performances all that highly this season.
"They (the GDFA) asked me to come because they told me I was in the top five, but it was a bit of a surprise when they said my name," he said.
"I had an average year, I thought, but I guess this shows I went all right."
Torino's attention now turns to Sunday's grand final against Yoogali FC, who qualified for the season decider with an upset 4-2 victory over minor premier Yoogali SC at the weekend.
Torino said he would trade his best and fairest award for a premiership medal without hesitation.
"Winning with your team is 100 times better," he said.
"I wouldn't have won this award if it wasn't for my teammates and the way they played this season.
"It should be a really good, exciting game. We always seem to have good battles (against Yoogali FC)."
Hanwood FC will start favourite for the clash, Torino and his teammates brimming with confidence after a spectacular run of form the past six weeks.
"We went through a rough patch in the middle of the year, but we stuck together," Torino said.
"Hopefullly we can keep doing that for the grand final this weekend."
Hanwood FC teammates Kyle Greaves and Matt Fearon shared the competition's Golden Boot after both found the net 19 times this season.