West End Redbacks Captain Travis Head has today been rewarded for an outstanding year with the bat, announced as the Sheffield Shield Player of the Year after a breakout summer.

The award, which is voted for by the competition’s standing umpires on a 3-2-1 basis, comes after the dynamic left hander led the Redbacks to their first Sheffield Shield Final in 20 years.

“It’s an honour and privilege to receive the award especially given some of the quality players who have received it in the past,” said Head.

Travis Head wins Sheffield Shield player of year, last two games got him to 16 votes then Ben Dunk T, Matt Renshaw Q Scott Boland V on 14 — LawrieColliver (@LawrieColliver) March 23, 2016

Appointed as South Australia’s youngest captain just 13 months ago, Head polled 16 votes to claim the award and finished two votes clear of Ben Dunk (TAS), Matthew Renshaw (QLD) and Scott Boland (VIC).

“I guess I’ve been a bit lucky the way the votes have fallen, because there are some other players that have had outstanding years as well,” added Head.

“Joe Mennie has had a good year as well and I think there were a few people who were on 14-votes who have had good seasons and weren’t too far off winning themselves.”

Head’s 699 runs at 38.83, including three centuries so far this year, has helped to ensure South Australia will host this year’s final, beginning on Saturday against Victoria at Gliderol Stadium.

100 UP FOR HEAD!! That’s our skipper’s 2nd consecutive ton after a huge effort against WA last week #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/kF06FDx2QQ — West End Redbacks (@WestEndRedbacks) March 15, 2016

“I’ve been working really hard and got really fit over the pre-season,” he said.

“I just haven’t been able to string it together as much as I would have liked, but when I have got going it’s been in winning games.

“That’s what I want to do as well, I want to win games of cricket for South Australia and I’m happy that I’ve been able to do that a few times this season.

The Redbacks will now contest the Shield Final against the Victoria Bushrangers as they look to bring home their 14th title since the competition’s inception.