Ritchie reigns supreme
MACORNA’S Lachlan Ritchie capped off a tremendous first season in yellow and black by claiming the Tigers’ senior best and fairest award.
The key forward/defender, who re-signed for season 2023, out-polled his teammates to win his first best and fairest for Macorna, ahead of fellow recruit and hard-nosed midfielder Malcolm Neiwand, who finished runner-up.Laura Bennie also finished her 2022 season in fine style, adding Macorna’s A Grade netball best and fairest to a remarkable list of achievements, including the Golden Rivers Reita Pay Memorial A Grade league best and fairest and most valuable player awards – with the defender ahead of runner-up Emmalee Wishart.
Macorna’s other netball best and fairest awards were won by Leah Lacy (B Grade), with Holly Griffiths runner-up, and Robyn Parker (B Reserve), with Taylah Clements runner-up.
In reserves football, Peter Wishart edged out Clinton Edge to claim the best and fairest, with Xavier Wishart winning the Under 17.5 football award, ahead of Hunter Anset.***
Toma hops from Kangas
WHILE the Cohuna Kangas have been busily adding to their squad for next season in their quest to break their now 26-season premiership drought, one familiar face won’t be among them, with Tom Toma set to depart for Bendigo Football League side Golden Square.
Toma, who was in career best form before a long-term hamstring sidelined him for a large portion of the home-and-away season, will be sorely missed from Cohuna’s engine room, with his class and drive out of the middle almost impossible to replace – as well as his leadership, having captained the Kangas to this year’s CMFNL grand final.
Toma will return to Golden Square, where he previously played between 2015 and 2017 and is a two-time club best and fairest.
The news wasn’t all bad for Cohuna supporters however, with the club announcing the signing of small forward/midfielder Lucas Conca, who joins the Kangas from Eastern Football League side Blackburn.
Conca, who also spent time with Richmond’s VFL side between 2014 and 2016, will be a welcome addition to the Kangas forward line and should help compliment their array of dominant key forwards.
Swans in signing spree
THERE will be a few familiar faces running around the Swan Hill Recreation Reserve next season wearing maroon and white, with the Swans announcing some key signings during the week.
Two-time Woorinen premiership forward Jose Miliado will return to the Central Murray next season, signing on at the Swans to continue his football journey after two seasons with the Macleod Football Club.
The silky skilled left-footer won’t be the only premiership Tiger joining Swan Hill however, with Nyawi Moore also set to jump ship and pull on a Swan Hill jumper next season, along with Miliado’s brother Elijah.
Also announced was the signing of midfielder/forward Brandon Houlihan from WRFL Division 1 side Hoppers Crossing, where he played the past three seasons after also spending time with Werribee in the VFL.
Moulamein players recommit
Swan Hill aren’t they only club with the Swans moniker to have been busy locking away their list for next season, with Moulamein announcing a number of key players from their grand final team who have recommitted for next season.
Club best and fairest Daniel Aarsman will once again don the red and white, alongside team mates Mason Bailey, Luke Shannon, Anthony Daw, Morgan Turvey, Will Gibson, Ely Miller, Cody Storm, Lochlan Prentice and Lachie Martin, who have all put pen to paper in a bid to go one step further next season.
The news only got better, with the club also signing Balranald premiership goal defence Stevie Bibby as their A Grade netball coach for next season.
Bibby will return to the Swans, where she played in 2019 and won the Golden Rivers A Grade netball best and fairest.
