Attention was drawn to the talent of local football and netball clubs on Monday, at the Picola & District Football and Netball League senior vote count.
Players and officials from the Blighty Redeyes, Deni Rovers and Mathoura Timbercutters all received awards throughout the evening.
A special spotlight was shone on Melyssa Banks of Mathoura Football Netball Club, who was named Club Person of the Year in appreciation of her contribution to her local club.
“It was nice to be recognised for the things I do for the club,” Banks said.
“I think it’s an award that should go to the club board as well though.
“People like Cindy Falzon, Brodie Unwin, Ian Keech, Leisha Aked, Kat and Mark Fisher and Blake Keech are the ones who make these small awards possible.
“So I want to say a big thank you to them.”
The night started off with the counts for C-reserve netball.
No local players were in the top 10 ranking.
Andrea Walker from Waaia was declared the winner with 20 votes, and runner-up was Katunga’s Leah McGrath.
Berrigan’s Paula Gowans took home the Best and Fairest award for C-grade with 25 votes.
Katunga’s Katie Towe placed as runner-up with 24 votes.
Deni Rovers’ Caitlan Lewis placed equal fifth with 15 votes, fellow Rover Matilda Glowrey and Mathoura’s Sophie Harding-Davies each polled 14 votes.
In the reserves football, Strathmerton’s Zeke Bunge and Tungamah’s Travis Hayes were joint McKenzie medallists with 18 votes.
Deni Rovers’ Caleb Weir placed third with 14 votes, John Allitt placed equal fourth with 13 votes and Mathoura’s Clinton Atkinson placed equal sixth with 11 votes.
In B-grade netball, Deni Rovers’ Jackie Thorpe was the winner with 30 votes. Rennie’s Ebony Williams was runner-up with 22 votes.
The Rising Star Nominations were then announced.
The nominiees were Katunga’s Viv Russo and Jackson Harris, Strathmerton’s Josh Payne and Deni Rovers’ Tyson Willis.
The 2023 Netball Rising Star Nominees were Deni Rover’s Abbey Wills and Chloe Brown, Strathmerton’s Caitlyn Brooks, Waaia’s Eloise Walker and Holly Boyd and Katunga’s Rhani Hendy.
The winner of the Schifferle Transport Award most valuable player was Blighty’s Kevin Maroney. Deni Rovers’ Ray Murphy was runner-up, with Waaia’s Ash Holland placing third.
The A-grade counts were then announced.
Deni Rovers’ Chrissy Hurst was the winner with 28 votes, and Strathmerton’s Olivia Osborne was runner-up with 20 votes.
Rebekah Jones from Yarroweyah was named the 2023 Netball Coach of the Year.
The 2023 Football Coach of the Year was Katunga’s junior coach Xavier Thorpe and senior coach Damian Kennedy.
Leading goal kicker of the year awards went to Waaia reserves player Mark Meyland with 99 goals and Strathmerton seniors player Tim Looby with 88 goals.
The 2023 Netball Umpire Rising Star was Chelsea Winn from Jerilderie.