Echuca-Moama Sportstar 2020-2021 by McPherson Media Group

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

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Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

o t e m o c l e W Sportstar 2020-21

The Echuca-Moama Sportstar of the Year Awards reflect the exemplary sporting achievements of those within our community.

Supported by the Riverine Herald, Moama Bowling Club and Echuca Travel Centre, the awards celebrate the regional love of sport. Throughout its 34-year history, monthly Sportstar awards have been given to many junior and senior athletes as they strive towards the annual night of nights. In what has been a tumultuous couple of years, and a challenging path still ahead of us, it was a tough decision to not host our traditional presentation evening for the awards this year. As I am sure you will understand, when we are talking about hundreds of people packed into the one room, we needed to take every step possible to protect you — as well as our wider community. However, this does not detract from the importance of the Sportstar awards; and the Riv, along with long-term sponsors Moama Bowling Club and Echuca Travel Centre, will continue the program in 2022 and beyond. And while there is no gala evening, we are delighted to have produced this Sportstar magazine as a souvenir item, as well as announce the 2020–21 winners through our paper on Friday, April 29, 2022. We hope you enjoy reading about each of our nominees, both junior and senior. The range of sports is incredible. From the water-based such as canoeing, barefoot skiing and swimming to tennis, shooting, practical shooting and athletics to team-based sports such as cricket, basketball, football, aflw, netball and lawn bowls. – Sarah Crossman — Echuca Moama Sportstar Co-ordinator

Writers Bransen Gibson, Josh Huntly, Rohan Aldous Photographer Steve Huntley ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Sportstar of the Year Previous Winners SENIOR 1987 & 88 Lee Ives (Sabre Sailing)

JUNIOR Peter Cannard (Kayaking)

1989 Brett Sands (Waterskiing)

Scott Dominguez (Waterskiing)

1990 Brett Sands (Waterskiing)

Travis Rankin (Cricket/Football)

1991 David Dew (Cycling)

Alwyn Holt (Judo)

1992 Steve Atkins (Shooting)

Alwyn Holt (Judo)

1993 Cameron McMullan (Canoeing)

Samantha Fraser (Rhym Gym)

1994 Joanne Hamilton (Waterskiing)

Justin Waldron (Shooting)

1995 Steve Atkins (Shooting) 1996 Brett Sands (Waterskiing) 1997 Cameron McMullan (Canoeing) 1998 Joanne Kerr (Shooting)

Kate Glenn (Waterskiing) Matt Jones (Volleyball) Sarah Hardiman (Athletics) Matt Jones (Volleyball)

1999 Chris Young (Lawn Bowls)

Steve Calleja (Shooting)

2000 Jenni Murphy (Basketball)

Steve Calleja (Shooting)

2001 Matt Jones (Volleyball)

Heidi Riordan (Athletics)

2002 Steve Calleja (Shooting)

Emma Bennett (Golf)

2003 Michael Teggelove (Cycling)

Andrew Walker (Football)

2004 Claire Duke (Lawn Bowls)

Luke Hubbard (Tumbling)

2005 Kelly Norris (Shooting)

Luke Hubbard (Tumbling)

2006 Claire Duke (Lawn Bowls)

Darcy Arnel (Waterskiing) Jemima Draper (Equestrian)

2007 Jimmy Wilson (Body Building)

Darcy Arnel (Waterskiing)

2008 Tony Bond (Canoeing)

Jordan Williams (Football) Jack Wilson (Golf)

2009 Geoff Nesbitt (Table Tennis) 2010 Kelly Norris (Shooting) 2011 Guy Campbell (Football) 2012 Oliver Wines (Football) 2013 Jane Chalmers (Basketball) 2014 Brady Threlfall (Distance Runner) 2015 Aidyn Johnson (Football) Clayton Oliver (Football)

Reece Sidebottom (Go-Karting) Lloyd Woolman (Water Skiing) Tom Leech (Soccer) Jessica Pitts (Soccer) Jayden Gulson (Hockey) Emma Barnes (Water Skiing)

2016 Jayden Gulson (Hockey)

Col Pearse (Swimming)

2017 Simon Buckley (Football)

Todd Murphy (Cricket)

2018 Marty Hore (Football)

Kiara Dean (Shooting)

2019 Todd Murphy (Cricket)

Col Pearse (Swimming)

Brodie Kemp (Football) 4

James Oberin (Hurdling)

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

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Herald

If we can potentially support your community organisation, please contact Sarah Crossman on 5482 1111. We’d be pleased to consider your proposal!

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

JUNIOR FINALISTS

Junior Sportstar of the Year 2020–21 The Junior Sportstar monthly winner/s is awarded to an individual/s who has achieved outstanding results at club, state, national or international level. The Junior Sportstar monthly winners receive a Moama Bowling Club dinner voucher (and two tickets to the awards dinner when the event is held). The overall Junior Sportstar winner receives a $500 coaching voucher from the Moama Bowling Club.

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

JUNIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

JANUARY 2020

Isabella Crossman

Tennis

Isabella Crossman will end the 2022 summer as a rising star of Australian women’s tennis ranks. Her results in open company at several highly regarded tournaments in the past six months earned her another Riverine Herald Sportstar nomination, continuing what is becoming an annual acknowledgement of her direction in the sport. Within Goulburn Valley and Campaspe circles the 15-yearold Moama Anglican Grammar student’s potential was well known, but her 2021–22 tournament results have catapulted her ranking on a state and national level. Crossman earned herself a spot in the qualifying draw of the Australian Open junior girls tournament after results at several major regional venues. She has travelled far and wide to compete against not only Australia’s best female tennis players, but also competed against several international players Her results with the Rich River Tennis Club are widely known, and respected, but just how long the NSW club will be able to retain her services is the big question as she continues to climb the ranks of the sport at a national level.

Key accomplishments: • Member of the Victorian Tennis Australia State Development Team • Member of Tennis Australia Regional Zone Squad based in Bendigo • Member of the 18-member Bendigo Academy of Sport (tennis) • Awarded both tennis 2020 Athlete of the Year as well as 2020 overall Athlete of the Year in the Bendigo Academy of Sport annual presentations. • Selected for the four-member Victorian team in the 15u Australian Teams Championships • Finished third in the 14u girls singles and semi finalist in the 14u girls doubles at the 2021 14/u Australian Claycourt Championships • 2020 64th Inter-Regional Country Championships Victoria • 14u girls singles, doubles & mixed champion • 2020 Victorian Junior Grass-court Championships • 14u girls singles & doubles winner • 2021 65th Inter-Regional Country Championships Victoria • 18u girls singles, doubles & mixed champion • 2021 All Stars Tennis Silver Classic tournament • 14u girls singles & doubles winner • 2021 Tennis World 16s Only July JT Gold Claycourt • 16u girls singles & doubles winner • 2021 Victorian Hardcourt UTR Matchplay • 16u girls singles & doubles winner

FEBRUARY 2020

Josh Walsh Canoeing

Josh Walsh is a unique athlete. Not only are the canoeing disciplines in which he competes quite unique, but he paddles over distances that range from 500 metres to 24 km. He was meant to compete in Hawaii at the International Va’a Federation world championship marathon event last year, but could not travel because of COVID-19. The same world titles are in London this year, in August, but due to being in Year 12 and with uncertain travel conditions he will not compete. He remains Victoria’s TC1 state champion and in the next few months will have the chance to defend his title. Josh, who turns 18 in April, is often paddling against men who are 15 to 20 years older because of the lack of competitors in his age groups. His big focus is Samoa 2023, where the world Va’a titles will be staged and he will compete at Under-19 level. Trained by Rod Clark and Tony Bond, he will also compete at the national titles in Port Stephens, in May. He is currently in the top five outrigger competitors in Australia. In the past 12 months he has also won the prestigious Albury Wodonga Frank Harrison Memorial Race, a 24 km event.

Key accomplishments: • First place in the Open Men’s TC2 at the Frank Harrison Memorial Race • Second place in the Open Men’s C1 at the Frank Harrison Memorial Race • First place in the Open Men’s TC1 at the Canoeing Victoria State Marathon Titles • First place in the Open Men’s TC2 at the Canoeing Victoria State Marathon Titles • First place in the Under-16 OC6 (Straights 500m) at the National Sprints Titles • First place in the Under-16 OC6 (Turns 1000m) at the National Sprints Titles • First place in the Under-16 V12 (Straights 500m) at the National Sprints Titles • Second place in the Under-19 OC6 (Straights 500m) at the National Sprints Titles • Second place in the Under-19 OC6 (Turns 1000m) at the National Sprints Titles • Second place in the Under-16 OC6 Mixed (Straights 500m) at the National Sprints Titles • Second place in the Under-116 OC6 Mixed (Turned 1000m) at the National Sprints Titles • Fifth place in the Under-16 V1 at the National Sprints Titles ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

JUNIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

MARCH 2020

Fletcher Ball Barefoot Skiiing

Echuca-Moama barefoot skier Fletcher Ball has been making waves. In February of 2020, Ball earned selection in the Australian team for the World Barefoot Waterski Championships. While COVID-19 put paid to the Worlds going ahead, Ball did not dwell on the disappointment for too long. He would instead go on to pick up the March 2020 junior sport star nomination for winning the Victorian State Barefoot Titles. Ball’s exploits then carried him into a barnstorming 2021 on the water. It was March Madness in Mulwala for Ball, who took out the Victorian and Australian Junior Boys Championship within a week of each other at Max Kirwan Lakes. Ball took out the state variant with a perfect score of 3000, but at the national champs, Ball finished first in his slalom and tricks runs, while his second in jumps — with a score of 893.33 — still saw the teen finish well ahead of the overall second-placegetter. Adding to his achievements, Ball also completed a personal best jump, improving from 19.4 m to 20.1m, as well as a personal best trick score. Among all this, Ball has also held the world #1 ranking as the best under-17 skier, and Ball is set to return to Mulwala for the upcoming Australian Barefoot Nationals.

Key accomplishments: • Currently ranked overall number one in the world for junior boys (ranking held since March 2021) • Selected to the Australian Team for 2020 World Barefoot Titles in Sydney in 2020 • Scored a 14.8 in the slalom run at the Queensland Christmas Tournament 2019 — the result is being reviewed by the Australian Barefoot Association and, if approved, would be an Australian Record • Second overall at Australian National Titles 2020 (1st slalom, 3rd tricks, 5th jump) • First overall at Victorian State Titles 2020 (1st slalom, 2nd tricks, 2nd jump) • First in junior boys slalom and tricks at NSW State Titles 2020 • Second overall at World Junior (Video) Tournament 2020 • First overall at Victorian Pre States 2021 (1st slalom, 1st tricks, 1st jump) • First overall at Victorian State Titles 2021 (1st slalom, 1st tricks, 1st jump) • First overall at Australian Barefoot Championships 2021 (1st slalom, 1st tricks, 2nd jump)

JANUARY 2021

Kobyn James

Cricket

Wicket keeper batsmen have a proud tradition in Australia, so Kobyn James’ continual development within state cricket ranks is in keeping with the expectations of not only his home town, but also of the sport’s state body. James made his Melbourne Premier Cricket debut in December, with the Melbourne Cricket Club’s 2nd X1 team, as its wicket keeper/batsmen. His selection is hardly surprising, considering his status as a top 20 player in the Under-16 Dowling Shield competition with Melbourne Cricket Club. He opened the batting for the undefeated Melbourne team in that carnival and was also selected in the Victorian Under-17 squad. He was a member of Echuca Cricket Club’s T20 A-grade premiership team, along with being captain of the Under-16 team, where he was the one-day cup champion player of the year, along with a member of the team of the year. He was a member of Goulburn Murray Cricket’s Under-16 country week team and made the Northern Rivers Team of the Carnival. He was also selected in the regional U21 carnival team and was a member of the SRP Mud Dogs GV T20 Bash, the 2021 premier. 8

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Key accomplishments: • Named to the Victorian Under-16 team in 2020 • Named to the Victorian Under-17 team in 2021 • Member of the SRP Mud Dogs Goulburn Valley Bush Bash Men’s T-20 side in 2020 and 2021 • Member of the Northern Rivers Under-21 team in 2021 • Melbourne Cricket Club Under-16 Dowling Shield 2020 • Melbourne Cricket club Under-17 Dowling Shield 2021 • Melbourne Cricket club Mens premier Second eleven 2021 • Made his debut for Echuca Cricket Club’s men’s A-grade team

• First overall at Peter Taylor Memorial Barefoot Competition (1st slalom, 1st tricks, 1st jump) • First overall at Victorian Pre-States Tournament (1st slalom, 1st tricks, 1st jump)

JUNIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

APRIL 2021

Jacob Brighton Lawn Bowls

Twelve-year-old Echuca bowls prodigy Jacob Brighton’s long list of achievements just keeps rolling on. Brighton announced himself as one to watch in the game of bowls with a grand final berth at the under-18 Victorian state championships in April 2021. Brighton glided through the Top 16, Top Eight and Top Four rounds with consecutive 21–15, 21–9 and 21–10 wins. Despite finishing runner-up to red-hot favourite Liam Turner in the final — 11–25 — Brighton turned heads displaying composure on the green well beyond his years, earning him April’s junior sports nomination. Just one week later, Brighton progressed to the top eight of the Victorian State Pairs titles.

Brighton has also become a key cog in East Shepparton’s division one weekend pennant side in the Goulburn Valley Playing Area. Key accomplishments: • Played for Echuca Bowls Club in Division 4 after playing in Division 5 as a nine-year-old • Played Division 2 with one debut game in Division 1 with East Shepparton • Won sectional playoffs to go through to the state championships • Won his first three knockout matches in Bendigo to reach the grand final of the under-18 state singles championships at age 11 • Offered a two-year sponsorship through Taylor bowls and Greenmaster

MAY 2021

Scarlett Southern

Athletics

Scarlett Southern’s fantastic efforts on the athletics track earned her the junior Sportstar nomination for May 2021. The young athletics star had a phenomenal season representing Echuca Moama Little Aths and Eaglehawk Athletics Club at the senior level. Southern won gold in the 14 girls 400 m and silver in the 200 m and 200 m hurdles at the Little Athletics Northern Country Track and Field event in February. She also won silver in the 400 m in the Little Athletics State Track and Field Championships. She finished fourth in the under-16s women’s 400 m final at the Victoria Country Track and Field Championships and fifth

Key accomplishments: • Little Aths seven years of service • Silver in the 14 girls 400 m at the Little Aths State T&F Championships (state) • Seventh in the 14 girls 200 m at the Little Aths State T&F Championships (state) • Represented Victoria at the senior national championships • Fourth in the under-16 women’s 400 m final at the Victoria

in the under-15 women’s 400 m final at the Athletics Victoria Track and Field Championships. Southern competed at her first-ever Australian track and field championships in May 2021. She initially qualified for the 2020 titles that were later cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Southern finished fifth in the 400 m heats, and said she is now determined to return to this year’s championships in Perth even stronger. Southern was the Bendigo Athletics Rising Star nominee in 2021, and she ran the fastest under-14s 400 m time for the 2020–21 season. She was also recognised for her seventh year of service at state little athletics.

Country T&F Championships (regional) • Fifth in the under-15 women’s 400 m final at the Athletics Victoria T&F Championships (state) • 15th in the under-15 women’s 400 m at the National Australian T&F Championships (national) • Ran the fastest 400 m time in Bendigo Athletics under-14 for the 2020–21 season • Bendigo Athletics Rising Star Nominee 2021 ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

JUNIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

JULY 2021

Grace Moyle

Cricket

With bat and ball, Grace Moyle does it all. The talented Echuca cricketer enjoyed a stellar 2021 campaign, earning a spot in Cricket Victoria’s under-16 emerging players program and claiming July’s junior sportstar nomination as a result. Moyle earned selection on the back of some prolific runscoring for both Echuca and Goulburn Murray Cricket. Moyle, a key member of Echuca’s back-to-back women’s premierships, topped the A-grade women’s runs tally for the 2020–21 season, compiling 224 runs at an average of 112. During Junior Country Week in January 2021, Moyle compiled an unbeaten 227 runs across just three games — including an unbeaten 101. Moyle then stepped up to Victorian Premier Cricket, joining Carlton Cricket Clubs’ Third Eleven as it claimed a premiership. Climbing through the Carlton ranks, Moyle capped off the year with a debut for the First XI at just 14 years of age, with a win to boot. With a crafty spin variety to back up her exploits with the bat, Moyle will be an upcoming star on the women’s cricket scene for seasons to come.

Key accomplishments: • Member of Cricket Victoria’s under-16 emerging players program • Back-to-back premierships with Echuca’s women’s team

SEPTEMBER 2021

Brady Simpson Football

Brady Simpson’s celebration of his Goulburn Valley Football League best and fairest award was short lived — his eyes quickly fixed on his professional career and a potential debut at senior level for Echuca Football Netball Club. Simpson was the first under-age league medallist in several decades, the last player from Echuca to win the Pattison Medal being Michael Rolfe. Simpson spent two years in the Murray Bombers top underage team, the most recent resulting in the centreman leading the way as the team was unbeaten at the end of the season. He has been training strongly with the senior squad, having missed out on his debut in the last round of last season — despite being selected — when COVID protocols saw the round abandoned. The former AFL Goulburn Murray and Bendigo Pioneers program player said his single goal this season was to try and hold a spot in the senior team, which he admitted would be pretty hard considering the strength of the team.

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Key accomplishments: • Won Goulburn Valley Football League best and fairest award • First under-age league medallist in several decades • Two years in the Murray Bombers top underage team

• Highest runs tally for A-grade women’s 2020–21 season • Member of Carlton Cricket Clubs’ Third Eleven premiership team

JUNIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

OCTOBER 2021

Harley Reid Football

Harley Reid’s football career is soaring through the big sticks after a specky-tacular year in 2020–21. His stellar achievements earned him the junior Sportstar nomination in October 2021. Reid made his senior debut for Tongala Football-Netball Club in the Murray Football League. However, his fantastic season extended further than just his debut for the Blues with Reid having an outstanding season at the representative level. The 16-year-old played for the Bendigo Pioneers under-17s team and excelled so much that he also played five games for the Pios’ under-19s side, too, kicking three goals in his first match. Reid’s fantastic season on the field was recognised and he was named the best first-year player at the Pioneers. Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree said it was an easy choice to award Reid the honour. “There hasn’t been too many 16-year-olds that had come in so early in the season as Harley did,” O’Bree said. O’Bree said Reid was a “natural forward”, but the coach added he could also see Reid’s talents translated into the midfield. “He has really good size and power and strength for a young guy,” O’Bree said.

“And he’s got a really good skill-set, so I think he’s got a really exciting future in and around the midfield.” Reid was selected to play for the Under-17 Victoria Country team in 2021 and has been chosen to be part of the AFL National Academy program for 2022.

Key accomplishments: Under-17 Vic Country team member in 2021 Vic Country Academy member Under-17 Bendigo Pioneers team member Under-19 Bendigo Pioneers team member in the NAB League Boys • Best first year player award winner for the Bendigo Pioneers • Made his senior debut for Tongala in the Murray Football League • Selected in the AFL National Academy program for 2022 • • • •

DECEMBER 2021

Noah Long

Football

Noah Long’s fantastic form on the footy field saw him earn the December Sportstar nomination. The industrious midfielder can count his clean set of hands among his best attributes. He spent his junior career playing for the Echuca Murray Bombers, and now plays school football for Geelong Grammar. His strong performances earned him representative recognition, and Long was recently named in Victoria Country’s initial 22-man under-18 squad for 2022. However, representing his state is nothing new for Long after he had a fantastic campaign for Vic Country’s under-17 side last season. Long co-captained Country against Vic Metro in two games at GMHBA Stadium and Queen Elizabeth Oval in July after the National Championships were relocated from the Gold Coast because of COVID-19 restrictions. He earned plaudits in those games, being named in the best players on both occasions. As well as representing his state, Long also played for the Bendigo Pioneers last season, taking part in two games in the under-19 NAB league. His Pioneers coach Danny O’Bree praised his performance during Vic Country’s win over Vic Metro last season.

“Being a co-captain, there’s a fair bit of pressure there (and) I just thought he handled it like a professional,” O’Bree said. “I thought he was really good at the contest. He won a good portion of his one-on-ones around the stoppage.”

• • • •

Key accomplishments: Selected to the Vic Country under-17 side in 2021 Under-19 Bendigo Pioneers team member Under-17 Bendigo Pioneers team member Selected to the Vic Country 22-man under-18 squad in 2022

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

SENIOR FINALISTS

Senior Sportstar of the Year 2020–21 The Senior Sportstar monthly winner/s is awarded to an individual/s who has achieved outstanding results at club, state, national or international level. The Senior Sportstar of the Year monthly winners receive a Moama Bowling Club dinner voucher (and two tickets to the awards dinner when the event is held). The overall Senior Sportstar winner receives a $2,000 travel voucher from Echuca Travel Centre and $500 from the Moama Bowling Club.

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

SENIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

JANUARY 2020

Todd Murphy Cricket

Spin to win is one the favourite cricketing adage’s of the games tweakers — and Echuca-Moama’s Todd Murphy has been doing just that with his off-break variety. Murphy has gone from strength to strength in the Australian cricket landscape, with his crowning achievement to date coming when he donned cap number 863 for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield against South Australia in March last year. Murphy’s Shield debut saw the talented offie snare figures of 1/72 off a marathon 27 overs, whack 34 runs, and a senior sport star nomination to boot. Just one month before making his debut for Victoria, the former Australian under-19 world cup representative made his debut in the Marsh One-Day Cup against Tasmania. On top of his red-ball exploits, Murphy has been equally adept in the white-ball game, called up to the Sydney Sixers in the BBL in December. A debut followed not long after that against the Perth Scorchers, and Murphy managed three games for the grand finalist Sixers, claiming best figures of 1/13 against the Melbourne Renegades, instigating the stumping of Nic Maddinson. Murphy also had a nomination in January of 2020, after clinching a spot on the Australian under-19 World Cup team for its campaign in South Africa.

Key accomplishments: Played for the Sydney Sixers in the KFC BBL 11 Played for Victoria in the Marsh Shefield Shield 2021 Played for Victoria in the Marsh One Day Cup 2021 Played Victorian Premier Cricket during the 2021–22 season • Selected for Australian under-19 World Cup team • • • •

FEBRUARY 2020

Zara Pearson

Basketball

Zara Pearson’s brilliant performances on the basketball court earned her the senior Sportstar nomination in February 2020. Pearson had spent a year away from the sport, but returned with a bang as she was named the Country Basketball League North West conference’s most valuable player. Her stellar efforts also helped the Echuca Lady Pirates snap their finals drought. She also finished the season as the division’s top scorer, while also being named in the All-Star five. Pearson said she felt good about the season, despite initially feeling nervous after some time off from basketball. “I haven’t played basketball for about three years at this level since I came back from college,” she said. “I started the season with a lot of nerves, so for our side to have a successful year was fantastic.” This season the Lady Pirates came painfully close to returning to the finals. The Pirates required victory in the final home-and-away round of the season to progress to the semi-finals, but a late three-pointer with 16 seconds to go saw them fall to the Mildura Heat by three points. Pearson had another strong season for the Pirates in 2021–22. She was Echuca’s leading scorer for the season, finishing with 133 points in eight games.

Key accomplishments: • Named Country Basketball League North West conference’s most valuable player

• Division’s top scorer, while also being named in the All-Star five • Echuca Pirate’s leading scorer for the season ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

SENIOR FINALISTS

MARCH 2020

Michael Walker Lawn Bowls

Key accomplishments: • BPL11 winner with the Moama Steamers • Club singles winner at Moama Bowls Club

Michael Walker enjoyed a stellar year out on the rink, with the lawn bowler earning the Sportstar nomination in March 2020. His success with the Murray Steamers in the Bowls Premier League helped earn him the nomination. Walker was part of the Steamers’ side that claimed the BLP title in February 2020. It was Murray’s second-ever title after they also won the Australian Premier League — the previous name for the BPL — in 2014. As the hometown hero there was plenty of pressure on Walker heading into the competition, but he was able to thrive on one of bowls’ biggest stages. Walker’s moment came with the final bowl of the match, as he drove the jack into the ditch to give the Steamers a one-shot victory. For Walker, it was his biggest moment in the sport. “It’s the pinnacle of my career,” he said. “To achieve this for my club of close to 20 years, it’s a real honour. “It was a great team to be a part of, everyone played a part in us having success through the week.” Walker has been a member of Moama Bowling Club for almost 20 years. He represented the Steamers in BPL 12 in February 2021.

JANUARY 2021

Kiara Dean

Shooting

Talented Echuca shooter Kiara Dean was on target in 2021. Dean was selected as a member of the inaugural Shooting Australia National Pathways Squad in January, earning her the month’s senior sport star award. The squad was one of three tiers of a new-look national squad, with the pathways squad dedicated to those considered capable of achieving higher honours who have demonstrated commitment to succeed in the sport. After strong performances in the Victorian and NSW state shooting titles then saw Dean secure green and gold honours for a second time, named in the Australian Junior World Championship Team. At the NSW ISSF Shotgun State titles in Newcastle, Dean overcame the likes of Olympian shooters Laetisha Scanlan and Penny Smith to claim victory at the event. Qualifying fifth for the final, Dean hit a further 40 of 50 to hold off Scanlan (39/50) and Smith (30/50). Key accomplishments: • Member of the inaugural Shooting Australia National Pathways Squad • Named in the Australian Junior World Championship Team • Won NSW ISSF Shotgun State titles 16

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Walker only competed in two events due to work commitments that limited his ability to play in other competitions.

He has now formally retired from lawn bowls as he focuses on family and work priorities. He said he was proud to end his lawn bowls career on a high.

SENIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

APRIL 2021

Brady Threlfall Running

Echuca-Moama marathon runner Brady Threlfall has been one of the finest athletes to come out of the region, and his nomination as the April senior sportstar should come as no surprise. Threlfall marked his return to competition after a 15-month layoff at the Canberra Half-Marathon, with a blistering win over the course of the 21 km event, claiming an 18-second victory with a time of 1.07:42, just short of his personal best. Then in December 2021, Threlfall was back at it again with his first appearance at the Melbourne Marathon in three years. Threlfall pulled away from thousands of competitors and kept pace against a swathe of Olympic athletes over the course of the marathon, finishing eighth with a time of 2:20:42, fourth in the 30–34 category. Key accomplishments: • First in the Canberra Marathon • Fourth in the Collingwood Classic 5km • Eighth in the Victorian Cross Country Championships

• Eighth overall in the Melbourne Marathon, fourth in the Victorian Championships • Eleventh in the Launceston 10km with a personal best time of 29:48

MAY 2021

Marilyn Stephenson

Lawn Bowls

When it comes to women’s lawn bowls in Victoria there really is no going past Marilyn Stephenson. She is the number one ranked lawn bowler in Victoria, and number 10 in Australia. That ranking is decided on an annual rolling points system, with points accrued at state titles, champion of champion events and selected club events. In 2020–21 she was the Moama women’s club champion in singles and pairs, then won the state singles, the women’s Over 60s and the champion of champions event. At state level she was runner-up in the champions event and won the state singles championship. This year she was runner-up in the Over 60s state singles event at regional level and as part of the winning fours team from Moama for the region. She and her team will play off at the state titles in April, at Bendigo.

She is also part of the 12-member Bendigo Campaspe Goldfields team that will compete in a three-day regional carnival, competing for the state title. Marilyn remains a member of the Victorian squad and looks certain set to add to her list of achievements in the next 12 months. • • • • • • • • • •

Key accomplishments: Regional ladies state singles champion Regional ladies champion of champions Regional state 4’s champion Runner up at Victorian state champion of champions Winner at ladies Victorian state singles championship Rated No. 1 Victorian ladies bowler Rated No.10 overall Australian Bowls ladies bowler Moama Bowling Club ladies singles champion Moama Bowling Club ladies pair champion Selected to play for Campaspe/Bendigo Goldfields representative side

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

SENIOR FINALISTS

JUNE 2021

Mark Oliver Practical Shooting

To say that pistol shooter Mark Oliver has been on target this year would be an understatement. Oliver competes in International Practical Shooting Confederation events, taking part in tournaments across the country and even internationally. He is also a proud member of the Echuca Pistol Club. Practical shooting requires competitors to hit a mix of stationary and moving targets in different locations, and they must run through a course to do so. Competitors can shoot the targets in whichever order they like, with their final score calculated based on their time and accuracy. Oliver had a phenomenal year in 2020–21, winning state and national titles. Key accomplishments: • Selected to represent Australia for the next IPSC Handgun World Championships • Selected to represent Victoria for the IPSC Australia National Handgun Championships • IPSC Australia National Handgun Championships — Classic Division, Australian Champion, Senior. Finished third overall. Awarded the President’s Medal • APA/IPSC Open — Classic Division, first senior, first overall

The sharpshooter was crowned the Australian Champion (Classic) — Senior, Victorian Champion (Classic) — Overall and Victorian Champion (Classic) — Senior. He also finished first in the NSW State Handgun Championships, the Coffs Harbour APA/IPSC Open, the IPSC NT Handgun Titles and the Thailand National Handgun Championship. More recently, Mark competed at the Murray River Challenge at the Echuca Pistol club. Oliver’s spectacular form didn’t go unnoticed, and he was selected to represent Victoria for the IPSC Australia National Handgun Championships and a member of the Australian team at the IPSC Handgun World Championships.

• IPSC NT Handgun Titles — Classic Division, first senior, third overall. Awarded the President’s Medal • Victorian State Titles — Classic Division, Victorian Champion, first senior. Awarded two President’s Medals • Thailand National Handgun Championship — Classic Division, first senior. Awarded President’s Medal • Australian Champion (Classic) — Senior • Victorian Champion (Classic) — Overall • Victorian Champion (Classic) — Senior

JULY 2021

Claudia Mawson

Netball

Echuca netballer Claudia Mawson is no stranger to the sportstar award, with an impressive netball resume to her name already, and despite missing out on netball in 2020 it failed to prevent Mawson’s rise through the ranks. In July 2021, that resume was expanded even further after Mawson was one of 15 players selected in the Victorian Fury squad ahead of the Australian Netball Championships. Plying her trade for Melbourne University Lightning in the Victorian Netball League since 2019, Mawson made the jump up to the Fury in July 2021, after averaging 18.4 goals a game for the second-placed Lightning and shooting at 78 per cent. Mawson’s exploits as a Murray Bomber made many stand up and take notice, taking out the 2019 A-grade best-andfairest as a 17-year-old. Key accomplishments: • Member of Melbourne University Lightning in the Victorian Netball League • Selected in the Victorian Fury squad 18

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

SENIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

JULY 2021

Annabel Johnson AFLW

From Geelong Amateurs, to the VFLW, to the top of the women’s footballing elite, Annabel Johnson’s rise to the ranks of AFLW was simply meteoric. Johnson joined the likes of Echuca products Ollie Wines and Brodie Kemp in progressing to the highest level of Australian rules football, after she was taken by Geelong with pick #15 in July’s AFLW draft, after playing the game for less than a year. In four games Johnson became a crucial cog in the Cats defensive half, until she was unfortunately struck down with a foot fracture against West Coast, ruling her out for the rest of the season. Johnson averaged eight disposals, three marks and as many tackles a game, and highlighted her importance in the Cats back six by ranking second in Geelong’s rebound 50s with 2.8 per game. Johnson plied her trade in the VFLW before being drafted, and in her first competitive season of football left one of her best performances for a crucial preliminary final, where she racked up 16 touches to guide her Cats into the 2021 grand final.

Key accomplishments: • Selected by Geelong with pick #15 in AFLW draft

• Finalist in the 2021 AFLW grand final

AUGUST 2021

Col Pearse

Swimming

The “Boy from Bamawm” was the pride of the region after an incredible maiden Paralympic voyage. Col Pearse’s exploits in the pool have garnered the adoration of many in the Goulburn Valley during the past several years, and Pearse fever gripped the region when news came through in June of his selection for the 32-person Australian Paralympic squad set to compete in Tokyo. Then the whole nation watched on in awe as Pearse claimed one of Australia’s 80 medals in the Tokyo Paralympics. Pearse successfully navigated the S10 heats in the 100 m butterfly to progress to a talent-laden final, and with Bamawm and surrounds on the edge of its seats, Pearse staged a miraculous mid-race recovery after trailing to claim the bronze medal, setting an Australian record time of 57.66 seconds in the process. Needless to say, his captivating medal-winning efforts were a shoo-in for August’s senior Sportstar nomination. The 18-year-old Paralympian didn’t stop there, pushing through the 100 m backstroke heats to earn a place in the final. Pearse finished eighth in his final event of the Paralympics, but more importantly captured the hearts and minds of the Australian public.

Key accomplishments: • Tokyo 2020 Paralympic bronze medalist in the S10 100 m butterfly • Broke the Australian record for the S10 100 m butterfly • Finished fourth in the 200 m individual medley at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, swimming a personal best • Finished eighth in the 100 m backstroke at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics • Competed at the 2021 Sydney Open, swimming in the 100 m butterfly, 200 m individual medley, 100 m backstroke and 50 m butterfly • Qualifying for the Australian swim team at the Sydney Open with a time of 58.58 in the 100 m butterfly • Competed at the 2021 Australian Age Championships Multi-Class at the Gold Coast, finishing first in the boys 17–18 100 m freestyle, men’s 100 m butterfly, boys 17–18 50 m butterfly, boys 17–18 100 m butterfly and fifth in the men’s 200 m individual medley. ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

SENIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

SEPTEMBER 2021

Tyler Phillips Football

From the footy field to the basketball court, Tyler Phillips is a true two-sport athlete. Phillips plays footy for Lockington Bamawm United and had a key role in helping the Cats to an undefeated season in 2021. The ruckman starred on a personal level too, winning the HDFNL’s best and fairest award the Cheatley Medal – becoming just the third LBU player to win the illustrious award. Phillips took out the virtual vote count with 18 votes, ahead of White Hills Sam Kerridge (17) and Colbinabbin’s Lochie Sirrett (15). Phillips’ footballing abilities saw him earn the senior Sportstar nomination in September last year, but his sporting abilities transcend the footy field. As well as being an Aussie rules gun, Phillips also plays basketball for Echuca. He was part of the Pirates’ team that made the preliminary final in 2020/21, averaging an impressive 17 points per game. The team managed to do even better this season, winning the CBL North West premiership with a blow-out win over the Bendigo Braves. It was a breakthrough moment for Phillips after the Pirates narrowly missed out on the grand final the season prior and the HDNFL finals were called off with undefeated LBU on top of the ladder.

Key accomplishments: • HDNFL Cheatley Medal winner (best and fairest) 2021 • Helped Lockington Bamawm United to an undefeated season

NOVEMBER 2021

Coby McCarthy

Football

Tongala Football Club midfielder Coby McCarthy carved a unique slice of history for himself when he claimed the Murray Football Netball League’s 2021 O’Dwyer Medal. McCarthy stands as just one of two Blues to win the league’s senior best-and-fairest football accolade in the club’s MFNL era, and the first winner since 2019 after the 2020 season was cancelled. A dominant cog of Tongala’s midfield, McCarthy’s win was built on the back of a dynamic season for the unbeaten Murray league outfit. He took out the league’s highest individual honour with 19 votes, and in 12 appearances for the Blues in 2021, he booted 17 goals to stamp himself as a menacing presence in the middle or down forward. Of his seven vote-getting games, McCarthy was judged best-on-ground in five, seeing him win a thrilling count by two votes over reigning winner Jackson Gash. A former Bendigo Pioneer and Victoria Country representative, the 22-year-old will be a danger in the league for seasons to come.

ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Key accomplishments: • Won Murray Football Netball League’s 2021 O’Dwyer Medal • Former Bendigo Pioneer and Victoria Country representative

• 2021/22 CBL North West premiership winner with the Echuca Pirates • 2020/21 preliminary finalist with the Echuca Pirates

SENIOR FINALISTS

Sportstar 2020–2021 ECHUCA-MOAMA

NOVEMBER 2021

Emily Taverna Netball

Moama netball will miss Emily Taverna and having spoken to the champion centre/wing attack she will miss the club just as much. She will play this season with the Caulfield Bears in the Southern Football Netball League having completed a stellar career with the Murray League team in wonderful style. Last year she was crowned not only the club’s best and fairest player, but also picked up the Murray league medal for the best player in the league. She told The Riv It would be different feeling playing away from Moama. Originally from Moama, she moved to Melbourne for university as an 18-year-old, but travelled back intermittently to play with the team.

Starting as an eight-year-old in the juniors, she debuted in the A-grade team as a 14-year-old. She was a member of two premierships, 2017 and 2018, and lost the 2019 grand final by a goal. In a tremendous 2021 season she polled 25 votes to win the league award and was also a comfortable winner of Moama’s best and fairest — finishing 200-gamer for the Pies before relocating to Melbourne. Key accomplishments: • Won Moama Football Netball Club’s best and fairest award • Won Murray Football Netball League best player • 200-gamer for Moama Football Netball Club

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ECHUCA–MOAMA SPORTSTAR 2020–2021

Recognise outstanding sporting achievements in our region Nominate them now for a Sportstar Award • • • •

Junior and Senior Sportstar Coach Of The Year Club/Team Of The Year Spirit Of Sport

Sportstar ECHUCA-MOAMA

2022

PREVIOUS WINNERS

KIARA DEAN SHOOTING

The Echuca-Moama Sportstar of the Year Awards recognise outstanding sporting achievements in our region.

HOW TO NOMINATE: Nomination forms are available at the Riverine Herald office or online at: riverineherald.com.au/sportstar For more information contact Sarah Crossman on 5482 1111 or sportstar@riverineherald.com.au

COL PEARSE SWIMMING

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