Wade, Nalder, fly high for Swans
Club legends Matt Wade and Madeleine Nalder further cemented their greatness at the Swan Hill Football Netball Club recently, taking out the senior football and A Grade netball best and fairests.
Wade added yet another club award to his collection, the Swans joint coach finishing ahead of another perennial winner in Xavier Moloney.
While both players enjoyed exceptional seasons once again, the form – and top five finish – of youngster Jarvis Keogh would have pleased many Swan Hill supporters, with Toby Thoolen and Tom Pontell rounding out the top five.
While many could have predicted Wade’s victory, the same could be said for Nalder – who backed up her joint win alongside Balranald’s Jess Parry in the league best and fairest by also winning the club count.
For the first time it was renamed in her honour as the Madeleine Foott Medal, while the ever-consistent Ingrid Condely finished a close runner-up.
In the other netball awards, Bianca Brown won the A Reserves best and fairest in their premiership year, with Hayley Neuschafer finishing runner-up, while Karen Thamm and Hope Fitzpatrick both took home the B Grade and B Reserve gongs respectively.
In the reserves football, it was Ben Pearse who was well rewarded for his consistent season, while youngster Jem Sibley did likewise in the Colts football vote count.
Nully’s best Farmer
Mitch Farmer has added club best and fairest in a premiership season to his growing CV, after taking out Nullawil’s seniors award at the club’s vote count.
Farmer edged out half back-midfielder Jordan Humphreys in a closely fought vote count 72 votes to 68, with Daniel Watts finishing six votes further back on 62.
Matt Quigley was next on 57 votes, while Andrew Casey rounded out the top five seven votes further back on 48.
In the reserves football, it was veteran Royce Free who took home the best and fairest, while Charlie Fawcett had a year to remember – not only was he a member of the Maroons senior’s premiership, he also took home their Under 17.5’s best and fairest.
Sophie Peacock was a very deserving winner of Nullawil’s A Grade netball best and fairest, with Jacki Watts taking home the B Grade honours and Regan Kelly the B Reserve best and fairest.
Roos ready to bounce into 2023
Balranald has started preparing for a big 2023, announcing a trio of key signings for next season last week.
Midfielders Jack Salau and Harrison Soraggi have both put pen to paper for the Roos, along with defender Josh Hodgson, in a significant show of faith in the direction of the club.
The news of their re-signings comes on the back of the recommitment by joint coach and this year’s Jack Betts Medallist Jydon Neagle, who will continue on with Balranald next season.
