A standout performance from McNeil in his side’s win over Tasmania at Docklands on Wednesday morning not only sealed the Division 2 title for the Rams, but also saw the 178cm midfielder awarded the Hunter Harrison Medal.
While thrilled with his individual achievement, the Rams captain said beating Tasmania had been his sole focus heading into the clash.
“I just wanted to win the championships with NSW because we lost it last year, so we wanted to get it back – that was the main thing,” McNeil told afl.com.au.
McNeil, who also skippers the Murray Bushrangers in the TAC Cup competition, was largely responsible for lifting the Rams to victory.
Wednesday wasn’t his most prolific performance but his 17-possession, four-goal game helped bury Tasmania as the Rams sealed the Division 2 title with a convincing 13.6 (84) to 6.11 (47) win.
McNeil believed it was his best effort of the championships.
“I kicked four goals … I’m pretty happy with it,” he said.
“I was playing deep in the forward line for part of the game there; I’ve been doing that a fair few times during the games just for five minutes.
“I just wanted to play consistent footy over the five games.”
A heavy knock early in the second term of the Rams clash with Vic Metro kept the clever ball-user from playing the full five matches, but his other performances still make for impressive reading.
The Carlton supporter says he has been likened to Saint Lenny Hayes but also likes to think he plays in the mould of hard-running Tiger Nathan Foley.
Next year, once his job with the Bushrangers is done, he hopes to be playing in the same competition as them.
So does he think winning the Hunter Harrison medal will earn him a ticket to the AFL?
“It’s not going to hurt,” he said.
Dylan McNeil’s Division 2 performances
Round 1 v Qld – 26 disposals and 2.1
Round 2 v Vic Metro – 6 disposals (* injured early in 2nd term)
Round 3 v NT – 17 disposals and 2.0
Round 4 v SA – 13 disposals and 1.2
Round 5 v Tas – 17 disposals and 4.0
