Buckley claims second EDFA Hepburn Medal 

Esperance midfielder Kaine Buckley has claimed the 2022 Hepburn Medal in the Esperance District Football Association for the League’s fairest and best player.

It’s his second award in as many years since making the move from Perth.

Despite winning the medal in 2021, Buckley said it was a shock to receive the honour this time round.

“It was a little bit more surprising this year I think, last year I gave myself a bit more of a chance,” he said.

“This year our team has been stacked with good players and I thought we’d take votes off each other.

“It’s exciting telling Mum and Dad and the family, they probably get more up and about than me.”

The 26-year-old has been part of the stampeding Esperance side, who have lost one game to date this season.

He said while his role in the side has changed, he will continue to help out as much as he can.

“I’m trying to bring other players into it more,” he said.

“I’m getting a bit older now, and the players coming through the midfield are stars, so we’re trying to develop them as well.”

An electrician during the week, Buckley said there’s strong competition throughout the league as they head into finals.

However, he said it’s all about belonging to the Esperance area.

“One thing I noticed when I got here was the physicality, but I guess that’s country footy,” he said.

“We’re all pretty good mates after the game, we’ll have a beer and a chat with each other at the pub.

“It’s all pretty friendly, and to be part of the community is really enjoyable.”

The night included individual award winners from across the grades in the Esperance District Football Association. They are the following:

Hepburn Medal for League Fairest and Best - Kaine Buckley (Esperance)
Frank Murray Medal for Reserves Fairest and Best - Scott McArthur (Newtown Condingup)
McArthur Medal for Colts Fairest and Best - Edward Graham (Esperance)
Women’s Fairest and Best - Emma Scally (Ports)
Umpire of the Year - Todd McElroy
Life Member Award - Kostya Daylight (Gibson)
Volunteer Awards - Laurie Fyfe (Ports), Anouska Bonney (Esperance), Tristan Thomas (Newtown Condingup), Sue Smithson (Gibson)
Footballer of the Year - Regan Morris (Newtown Condingup)