WAFL 2023: East Perth co-captain Hamish Brayshaw overcomes failed AFL career to win 2023 Sandover Medal

But he’s the only one to win a Sandover Medal.

On Monday night, the East Perth co-captain was crowned the WAFL’s best player in 2023, taking home the prestigious honour after finishing equal runner-up last season. And his journey to the top of the state league has been one of perseverance.

Draft night of 2017 was all about Andrew. The youngest of the Brayshaw brothers, Andrew was one of the most highly-touted prospects in the country. Fremantle couldn’t look past him, selecting the silky midfielder with pick two.

Tears were shed. Celebrations ensued. And the youngest member of the clan was bestowed with a purple polo.

But nothing could compare with what was to come.

West Coast had pick 68, one of the last picks of the night. Just as the Eagles selection was about to be read out, a member of the club’s recruiting staff appeared in the arena where all the remaining draft hopefuls sat anxiously.

“With pick 68, West Coast select Hamish Brayshaw, Sandringham Dragons.”

Euphoria. Not only did both brothers get to fulfil lifelong dreams, but they’d do so in the same state.

It was a shock at first. Hamish was no guarantee to get picked up despite the stature of his surname. Injured throughout most of his draft year in 2016, Brayshaw was overlooked. He was invited back to the Dragons the following year as a mature ager, still chasing his AFL dream.

His output improved and the Eagles were convinced. But his career didn’t go to script.

Brayshaw spent three years on West Coast’s list. He didn’t play a game in his first two seasons and was delisted and then redrafted as a rookie.

He finally made his debut in 2020 as part of West Coast’s injury-decimated side against St Kilda. Brayshaw won five disposals, was dropped the following week and delisted at the end of the season.

Such was Brayshaw’s impact on the club, the Eagles convinced him to remain and captain the club’s stand-alone WAFL side. In 2022, Brayshaw signed with East Perth, averaging 27.8 disposals in 18 games to finish equal second in the Sandover. He also commenced a role as West Coast’s AFLW midfield coach.

As the Royals returned to finals for the first time in five years this season, Brayshaw’s game too went to another level. He averaged 26.3 disposals but became an even bigger threat up forward, kicking 25 goals.

Angus may have won a premiership with Melbourne. Andrew might be a Doig Medallist and AFL Players Association MVP. But Hamish is now the only Sandover medallist in the family.

“It’s filled me with a lot of pride seeing them succeed and I’m sure it’s the same for them,” Brayshaw said.

“There were numerous weekends when we had eight games of footy, both school and club. And while Dad was off doing his football stuff, Mum was driving the car around and trying to facilitate eight games of footy.

“[East Perth] has become a family for me away from home, and when I got moved over with West Coast they offered the same thing. I‘ve had two clubs that I’ve been fortunate to be a part of that have offered me sanctuary away from home.”

The 25-year-old became the first East Perth player to win the medal since Ryan Turnbull back in 2001. Brayshaw polled 26 votes to pip West Perth onballer Luke Meadows (19), polling three votes in the final round of the home and away season when the pair went toe-to-toe.

“It‘s been one of the best years of football I’ve had in my life,” Brayshaw said.

“I feel like I had, probably a better year this year. I was a bit more impactful…kicked a few more goals. But we’ve had a better year as a club and that’s probably coincided.

“I was nervous coming in. I didn’t know what to expect.

“I’ve been here now for five or six years and have been to a few Sandovers. It fills me with a lot of adoration to see these guys that I play against succeed at such a high level. To win the same award as them is very special.”

Brayshaw’s victory comes against the backdrop of older brother Angus’ sickening concussion against Collingwood in the opening weekend of the AFL finals.