In the end it was Jed Brain and Olivia McEvoy who came out on top, the pair named Colbinabbin’s best and fairest winners for the 2021 season.
Colbinabbin announced its season award winners via social media on Sunday, October 24, with a celebration day to follow this Saturday, November 6, at the The Shiraz Republic in Cornella.
Taking home the Frank and Alice Brown Best and Fairest award after playing all 12 games for the season, Brain wasn’t shy of a goal as well, booting 25 for the season — the most of any Colbo player.
Brain pipped teammate Ben Southam for the title, with Southam impressing in just eight games to finish runner-up.
Teammates Logan Fitzgerald and Lochlan Sirett were named most courageous and most consistent respectively, Geordie McMurtrie was acknowledged as most improved, and Alex Van Ruisuyk was named best club man.
On the netball court, McEvoy’s club best and fairest win capped off an impressive season where the centre brought up 200 A-grade games and finished runner-up in the league-wide Esther Cheatley medal.
She went toe-to-toe with teammate Tanzin Myers in the club count, with Myers’ defensive efforts this year rewarded with runner-up honours.
In the reserves count, Hugh Barlow was crowned best and fairest, with a tie for second between Chris Guinane and Charlie Ryan.
Most consistent went to Xavier Connally while teen Darcy Brown distinguished himself as the most courageous.
Matthew Smith was judged most improved, with Harrison Crilly named best team man.
In the lower netball grades, Mardi Ryan took home the A-reserve best and fairest award for her defensive work ahead of shooter Elle Palmer, while another defender in Morghan Cairns won the B-grade count, with midcourter Keely Parker runner-up.
A close count in B-reserve saw Emma Milne take out the best and fairest award ahead of a pool of three runners-up in Tahlia Pain, Sascha Charnstorm and Sarah McIntrye.
In the junior counts, Darcy Brown was judged best and fairest among Colbo’s under-18s team, beating out runner-up Jude Ryan for the honour.
Toby Howlett’s consistency was rewarded, while Bodey Abbott were noted as the most courageous.
Nathan Brown won most improved player, while Noah Martin rounded out the award-getters, collecting the coaches’ award.
Among Colbinabbin’s under-17 netball ranks, Jo Brown’s efforts in the midcourt were rewarded with a best and fairest win ahead of runner-up Aggie Minnie, while Ryllie Edwards received the coaches’ award.
Under-15 player Miya McDougal claimed her team’s top award, ahead of runner-up Jade Ballinger.
Henry McFadzean was recognised as the most improved player, with Mackenzie Edwards presented the coaches’ award.
Rounding out the awards, Macey Ryan was named the under-13s most consistent netballer, Harriet East was most enthusiastic and George McFadzean was most improved.
Colbinabbin will hold its annual general meeting at the Bowls Pavilion on Wednesday, November 3, from 7.30pm. Anyone is welcome to attend, while the meeting will also be streamed via Zoom at https://zoom.us/j/4246371730
