Making the decision to travel from Melbourne to play his footy at Violet Town this season, Exell returned to the game after a three-year lay-off without a hitch, transforming himself into a power-forward.
But not in his wildest dreams did he think his venture back into local football would turn out the way it did, as he booted an astonishing 102 goals to win the league’s goal-kicking award, before taking its highest individual honour in the McNamara Medal.
Sitting at his home in Melbourne surrounded by family and friends, Exell described his emotions in the aftermath of his incredible triumph.
“It was an unbelievable feeling (to win the medal),” Exell said.
“Footy is a team sport and you never really think about this stuff during the season, you just want to play the best you can and help the team win.
“But I’m not going to lie, I did let out a bit of a scream and a fist pump (at the end), I was pretty happy sitting at home watching it with a few mates.
“I don’t know any forwards that win these medals, so it was pretty special.”
The medal count itself was a thrilling one.
Locked in an intense battle with Avenel midfielder Brayden Avola and Lancaster coach Thomas Davies, the lead constantly changed and had all those tuning in on the edge of their seats.
Tied with Avola on 19 votes coming into the final round, Exell’s Towners would fittingly face Avenel, where the spearhead secured the one vote needed to be crowned champion.
“I thought I’d be up there (in the count), but never expected to win,” Exell said.
“I just went in pretty cool and calm, but when the votes kept getting read out, I thought to myself ‘I could be going all right here’ and the nerves kicked in.
“With one round to go I was tied with Brayden Avola, even though the game before I kicked 13 and only got one vote, but I managed to get the one in the last match and get in front.”
The night wasn’t without its controversy, however, with Stanhope star Ryan Semmel ruled ineligible to win the medal despite topping the vote count by five.
Found guilty of intentionally striking an opposition player in round 15, Semmel was reprimanded and played the next week, but the league guidelines stipulated he could not win the medal.
But Exell said the situation didn’t dampen his spirits.
“Coming into it I actually didn’t know he (Ryan Semmel) had been rubbed out,” he said.
“The league just followed the rules, I know someone went to the league to get it changed or something, I’m not too sure, and I personally thought they got it overturned.
“But at the end of the day I don’t really care if he got more votes than I did, I’m just thrilled to be the winner.”
But while his season was littered with personal highlights and accolades, one thing stood out more than anything else.
The ability to play footy with his best mates and rediscover the love and passion for the game he lost towards the end of his junior career.
“Coming into the year having not played footy for three seasons, I didn’t think I’d ever be put in this position,” he said.
“But to be back playing footy with my best mates it was unbelievable, all the injuries I had in my junior years took their toll and I didn’t really like footy for a while there.
“Heading into this year I just thought I’d give it another shot and it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made.
“I had so much fun playing footy this year, it was awesome.”
