The Blue Ribbon Foundation has announced its winners of the Spirit of Sport awards across the Wimmera Football Netball and Horsham District Football Netball Leagues.
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The awards are presented to junior athletes who showcase their sportsmanship, fair play and mutual respect
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Spirit of Football award winner
Warrack Eagles Under 17's footballer Dane George has been presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
George has also played four matches in the Under 14s.
In 18 matches in 2023, George has featured in the best on eight occasions and kicked four goals.
The Warrack Eagles congratulate Dane for his sportsmanship and wish him well for the remainder of 2023.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Taylors Lake netballer Isabelle Hedt has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Hedt began her netball journey with the club in Net Set Go at the age of six.
She has progressed her way through junior netball at the club.
In the 2023 season, Hedt plays in the 17 and Unders' and is a permanent member of the B Grade side.
Hedt has always enjoyed being at the club with family and friends.
Taylors Lake commend Hedt for her efforts on the court and as a valued club member.
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Spirit of Football award winner
Kaniva Leeor United Under 17s footballer Bronte Hiscock has been presented with a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Hiscock is a valued club member and a co-captain of the Under 17s squad.
Bronte shows sportsmanship and leadership when on and off the field.
The club commends Hiscock for the way he plays his football, always actively listening and learning.
Bronte gives his all on the field and is a credit to himself, teammates and club.
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Spirit of Netball award winner
Ararat 17 and Under netballer Kiara Davis has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award
Davis has played with the Ararat Rats since beginning as a 13 and Under player.
Throughout this time, Kiara has shown dedication and commitment to netball, the club and the league.
The club describe Davis as a solid defender who always sticks tight to her opponents, causing many deflections and interceptions.
Kiara has always maintained a positive attitude on the court, making friends with her teammates and opposition players.
Spirit of netball award winner
Horsham Demon Madison Scott was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
The club describe Scott as a calm, no-fuss player who will put all her effort into her game no matter the position she plays.
Madison is a strong player who can handle the physicality of the goal ring, whether that be positioning or rebounding.
Scott always plays with a smile on her face and is eager to learn.
She is a wonderful leader to the younger players and a pleasure to coach.
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Spirit of Football award winner
Ararat's Patrick Toner has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Toner is a loyal member of the Rats who currently plays in the Under 17s.
His dedication to his club, both on and off the field, is a testament to his service and volunteer spirit.
The Rats describe Toner on the field as a tenacious midfielder who throws himself at the contest and never backs down from a challenge.
Off the field, Pat goes about his training and preparation like a professional.
Spirit of football award winner
Jeparit Rainbow's Caleb Tregenza has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Caleb is a versatile member of the Jeparit Rainbow
Football Netball Club, who can play at both ends of the ground and gives every game his all.
The club describes Tregenza as reliable and hardworking.
Tregenza attends training and looks to improve his game every time he turns up.
Jeparit Rainbow has seen His football take a leap to the next level in the past few weeks.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Horsham Saints 17 and Under netballer Violet McGennisken was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Violet always plays with a smile and a determination to perform at her best every time she goes on to the netball court.
The Saints describe McGennisken as strong in attack and an accurate shooter but adaptable to different roles.
McGennisken is a much-valued member of the 17 and Under and C Grade teams.
Violet is a past Wimmera interleague player and premiership player with the club.
Spirit of Football award winner
Minyip Murtoa Under 17s footballer Will Noble was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
This is the second time Noble has received the award, which the club says reflects his leadership qualities.
Will plays his sport in an exemplary and fair manner and is an integral and valued member of the Minyip Murtoa Football and Netball Club.
Throughout the day regularly see Will helping out his club by filling in for the Reserves, running water or doing the boundary umpiring.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Natimuk United 17 and Under netballer Olivia Sudholz has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Olivia has played for Natimuk United her entire netball career.
She has also been an integral member of our A Grade team in the last couple of years.
The club describe Sudholz as a talented netball player that can
play just about any position on the court.
As well as her on-court commitments, she is also a valuable club member.
Sudholz assists with scoring/timekeeping and canteen duties where required.
Olivia has shown great respect for her coaches, teammates and umpires and always listens and works hard to improve her game.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Rupanyup's Grace Turner has been presented with a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Grace has played all of her netball with the Panthers.
She started Net Set Go at the age of 8 and has progressed through
every junior grade.
Turner debuted in A Grade in 2022.
This season, she captains the 17 and under team and is enjoying her final year of juniors whilst playing B Grade.
Rupanyup commends Turner for displaying sportsmanship, giving 100 per cent every match whilst valuing and encouraging her teammates.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Dimboola 17 and Under netballer Tarah Bond has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Tarah is a valued member of the Dimboola Football and Netball Club, where she has played all of her netball.
The club commended Bond for working hard on her game to become a steady and accurate shooter after switching from the defensive end of the court.
Bond has a calm presence on the court and is a fierce competitor.
Spirit of football award winner
Edenhope Apsley Under 17 footballer Joshua Robinson was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Sport award.
The club describe Robinson as an outstanding player and young man.
His sportsmanship on the field is equal to his dedication to training and the club as a volunteer.
Spirit of Football award winner
Dimboola's Under 17 footballer Caleb Bond has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Sport award.
The Roos credit Bond for his true leadership qualities, both on and off the field.
He is of a kind nature and will go over and beyond to make sure his teammates and opponents enjoy their time at the football.
Bond descends from a great line of footballers; his grandfather Grahame and his father Shane were both formidable players in their own right.
Spirit of Football award winner
Laharum Under 17 footballer Josh Hutchinson was presented with a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Josh is Laharum born and bred with a strong family connection to the Laharum Football Netball Club.
Hutchinson first registered in 2018 playing Under 14s, and has since developed into a very handy footballer.
The club sees his size and ability as attributes to match it with many of the league-leading junior footballers
Spirit of Netball award winner
The Round 12 winner of the Horsham and District Football Netball League Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award Laharum was 17-and-under netballer Sophie Quick.
Sophie received her award at the Laharum Football ground netball courts from Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power at the Netball on Saturday, July 22.
Sophie joined the Demons in 2016 and is an accomplished player, finishing in the top three at club best and fairest counts for all her junior seasons.
A talented goalie, Sophie became a member of the B Grade team while playing 15 and under, finishing runner-up in the senior grade in her first year. She is playing 17 and under and B Grade in 2023.
Sophie's highlights include making her A Grade debut in 2022 and winning the Player of the Year, Blue Ribbon Netball Spirit Award best and fairest, also last year.
She said the best part of being a Demon was 'playing and always having fun with an amazing group of girls.
Spirit of Football award winner
Under 17s football Owen Summer of the Stawell Warriors received his award from Stawell Police Officer member Senior Cameron Holland before the game at North Park Football ground on Saturday, July 22.
In nominating the junior footballer, the club said Owen was very deserving recipient of this award due to his hard work he has put in and his growth not only as a player but as a leader.
Owen has always been very talented, but he took it upon himself over the preseason to put in a lot of hard work joining in with the seniors training to work on his conditioning and putting his own time into the gym to get stronger.
This cultivated in Owen getting his first senior game early in 2022; he held his spot in the side until he unfortunately sustained an injury.
Since coming back into the under 17s Owen has brought back some experience of senior football and is using that to push himself and his teammates to be better, leading by example as one of our joint captains.
"What I'm most proud of with Owen is that with all his improvement and after getting recognised for his ability with selection in the seniors, he has not stopped trying to improve," the nominee said.
"You can find him after training, working on his skills with Stewie, picking his brain on how he can be better, or sending me through 3-4 texts a week about game planning and where he and the team can improve."
Spirit of Netball award winner
Under 17s Stawell Warriors' Larni Goodall receiving her award from Stawell Police Officer First Constable Nathan Byrne at North Park Stawell Football Oval netball court on Saturday, July 22.
The club highlighted Larni's team-first attitude.
This year she has adjusted her game to what the team has needed, she is flexible and takes on feedback to play the way the team needs her.
Her voice on court is commanding and she leads the defensive end.
At training she always gives it her all and this season has stepped up to support her teammates that are learning to defend.
She is always encouraging and supportive of those around her and plays the game in good spirits, going hard at the ball but she's always fair in her play and holds herself to a high regard.
Spirit of Football award winner
Nhill Under 17s footballer Mardi Bone has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
The club commended Bone as he showed up to each training session despite an injury that had kept him out of the first half of the 2023 season.
Bone was nominated for the award in his first game back.
His skills and ability are a huge benefit to his team, which will see him playing some senior football in the future.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Swifts netballer Tenelle Grace was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Grace has played all of her junior netball with the club.
Swifts credits Grace's growth and development into a valued team member and club person.
Her sportsmanship towards your fellow players and competitors exemplifies the spirit of fair play and camaraderie that we cherish at Swifts.
Grace's willingness to continuously improve and take feedback on board is a testament to your growth mindset and dedication to personal development.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Nhill Tigers' 17 and Under netballer Bonnie Gordon has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Gordon is a consistent netballer who plays at either end of the court and is a great team player.
On Thursdays, Gordon trains with her 17 and Under team and then with the seniors.
As a result, Gordon has played in three senior matches so far this season.
Gordon shows great leadership on and off the court; she encourages her teammates and has a positive attitude.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Warrack netballer Maggie McCoy was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
McCoy's 17 and Under coach Bonnie Gunn described her as a person that displays all of the award criteria on and off the court.
She is a respected team member and shows respect in return to her coach, teammates, and opposition.
Maggie works hard at training and on game days and has been given the opportunity to play senior netball as a reward for her hard work.
McCoy is always eager to learn and dedicated to being the best player she can be.
Spirit of Football award winner
Stawell Under 17s footballer Judd Smith has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Smith is described as a player who plays the game hard but fairly and always pushes himself and his teammates to do their best.
Around the club, Judd has always put in his time and effort for others.
From the age of 12, Judd ran water for the seniors every week.
He progressed into taking statistics, and in 2023 he made his senior debut against Warrack.
Judd is a leader amongst his peers with his easygoing nature and positivity, continually encouraging teammates on and off the ground.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Jeparit Rainbow's Celie Fuller has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Celie is described as as a passionate and enthusiastic member of the Jeparit Rainbow Football Netball Club.
Fuller continues to approach her netball with a willingness to learn and improve, which has seen her become a leader out on the court.
She also has demonstrated a high level of sportsmanship to her teammates and the opposition, making her an excellent role model for the other juniors of the club to look up to.
In 2023, Celie has been recognized by her teammates as vice-captain of the 17 and Under netball side.
Spirit of football award winner
Horsham Demon Monty Wynne win was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Wynne is described by the club as an ultimate team player.
He is committed to developing his game and his skills from his solid training ethic.
Monty is hard-working, demonstrates leadership, and always looks to bring his teammates into the game.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Minyip Murtoa's Lyla Schultz has recieved a Blue Ribbon Foundation Sprit of Netball award.
Schultz has played all of her junior netball with the Burras and is described by the club as a respected team player who is consistently determined and perseverant on the court.
Lyla has worked extremely hard all season and has earned a spot in a senior grade as well as playing 17 and Unders.
Spirit of Football award winner
Natimuk United under 17s footballer Corey Longmuir has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Pimpinio's Ada Binney has been presented with a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Binney has played all of her netball with the Tigers, which started in the Net Set Go program.
The club describes Binney as a valuable and versatile player who can play in any position.
Binney has represented the HDFNL at the representative level and has won a club best and fairest award.
Spirit of football award winner
Pimpinio's Jude Borlase has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Sport award.
Borlase is in his first season of Australian rules football, and the club describe him as a very respectful and polite young man who listens to instructions intently and always gives 100 per cent.
Borlase's pace is a key component of his skillset on the field.
Ararat's Will Anderson was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Will came to Ararat as a top-age player from the Swifts in the HDFNL.
The club describe Anderson as a utility player who can venture to any part of the ground and have an impact.
Will attacks every contest with the sole intent of winning the footy and distributing it to his teammates.
Although Will is not part of our official leadership in the Under 17s, he often takes the lead in dills and always gives 100 per cent to training, games or recovery.
Harrow Balmoral's Rori Mason has been presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
The Southern Roos describe Mason as a hard worker in her role in defence and has taken her netball to another level this year by working hard on direction and team support.
Mason has represented her club in a 13 and Under and 17 and Under grand finals and the league in numerous representative teams.
Rori gives her all to her team and club and is always there when required to help out in any way.
Spirit of Football award winner
Mulraney is one of our co-captains of the Under 17s football team this season.
The club commend Toby for the manner in which he approaches and plays his football, and his attitude sets such a wonderful example to his teammates.
Toby is always willing to help out his club, whether it's on or off the field; he is a pleasure to have around our club as he is a true quiet achiever.
Spirit of netball award winner
Rats netballer Demi Bligh was awarded a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of netball award.
Bligh is a top-age player this year and has taken her netball to the next level, being selected for the A grade side.
The club believes Demi embodies the qualities of the Blue Ribbon Spirit of Netball award in her game and her love of netball.
The recognition of her ability is also an acknowledgment of the presence Bligh has on the court, her potential and her influence and role modelling provided for all juniors.
Bligh has a strong voice and will encourage all others; she is always available to be the next option and works hard for her team.
Spirit of Football award winner
Horsham Saints' Bailey Brennan was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
The club describe Bailey as a well-loved team Member of the Horsham Saints Under 17s Football team.
He is seen as a great vice-captain who leads by example.
Brennan has a quiet, respectable nature and all the good qualities you would love to see in a young and up-and-coming footballer.
Bailey is hard at the football, shows no fear and is a real team player encouraging all his teammates to produce their best football.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Stawell Warriors 17 and Under netballer Ruby Peters has been presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
The club describes Peters as a dedicated and enthusiastic player who has played with the Stawell Warriors for years.
Peters works hard for her team and plays her role throughout the midcourt.
She has taken her netball to another level this year, working on her on-court voice and direction to support the team.
Ruby has embraced her first year in 17's, playing against tough competition.
However, she always finds space on the court and brings her teammates into the game.
She gives it her all at training and does everything asked of her, and plays a smart game.
Peters stepped up this season by playing Wimmera Representative netball and her first A Grade game last week.
Spirit of Football award winner
Noradjuha Quantong's Rosco Hair was awarded a Blue Ribbon foundation Spirit of Football award.
The Bombers describe Hair as an enthusiastic team player who loves to take the game on.
Hair is a versatile player that can play in both the midfield and the back line.
Rosco is the type of player who isn't afraid to try new things and is always encouraging of his teammates.
He is extremely coachable, always listening to instructions and wanting to learn and improve areas of an already established football skillset.
Hair is exceptionally reliable when following game plans, interpreting instructions and putting them into action whilst playing the game with the highest level of fairness.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Noradjuha Quantong's Olivia Heard was presented with a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Sport award.
Heard started her netball journey with the Bombers in the 13 and Unders in 2018.
The club saw Heard's passion for the game ignite when she had the confidence to play various positions on the court.
Heard is a goalie and a strong mid-court player with a can-do attitude.
Olivia displays great sportsmanship on and off the court, always willing to help anywhere from in the kitchen to doing the scoreboard.
Spirit of Football award winner
Dimboola's Brodie Foster has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
The Roos describe Foster as a young man who has displayed a great desire to improve his game and develop as a young adult, his attitude towards the club and the volunteers has been nothing short of remarkable
Brodie has grown throughout his time at Dimboola, and the club look forward to many games that lie ahead.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Natimuk United 17 and Under netballer Alexandra Taylor was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Taylor has been playing for Natimuk United for several years now, and is described as a valuable member of our club.
She is currently playing as a defender in the 17 and Unders' side, as well as holding a junior development position in our A grade side.
Taylor always shows respect to coaches and umpires.
She is always willing to listen and to ask questions to better learn and understand the rules or to improve her own game.
This year Alexandra has also taken an interest in becoming an umpire and can be found umpiring the modified netball team regularly.
She is always willing to help with any job around the club and always eager to learn any new roles.
Spirit of Football award winner
Edenhope Apsley Under 17 footballer Adam Hood has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Hood is described by the club as a leader and role model for many kids from the Edenhope Apsley community through football, basketball, and motorbikes.
He is a very mature young man that is a pleasure to coach.
While a talented player, Hood is equally noted for his sportsmanship and conduct on the field.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Warrack Eagles 17 and Under netballer Jonti McCoy was presented a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Eagles' 17 and Under coach Bonnie Gunn describes McCoy as dedicated and passionate about netball, her team and club and is always willing to learn, teach and help where she can.
McCoy is versatile player who can slot into any position on the court but has played this season's games through the mid-court.
Jonti is the captain of the 17 and Unders' side this season, and her commitment to her netball has also seen her join the Eagles B Grade side.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Dimboola Roos 17 and Under netballer Katie Griffiths has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Griffiths began her journey in Net Set Go over six years ago, and is described by the club as an extremely valued member who represents the club in many roles.
A leader of our 17 and Unders' netball team, Katie is a tenacious defender on the court and always demonstrates a 'can-do' and 'team-first' attitude.
In 2023, Katie put her hand up to co-coach the 13 Under team and is a positive role model to these girls both on and off the court.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Swifts netballer Charntae Austin was presented with a Spirit of Netball award on Saturday, May 20.
Austin has played all of her junior netball with the Swifts and is known around the club as a player with attentive listening skills and quiet determination.
The Swifts described Austin as:
Charntae's ability to listen keenly allows her to absorb valuable guidance from coaches and mentors to enable continuous improvement.
Despite her quiet demeanour, Austin consistently delivers a never-give-up performance on the courts, fuelled by hard work and dedication.
Spirit of Football award winner
Noradjuha Quantong's Samuel Hudson has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Hudson's Under 17's coach, Austin Smith, describes him as:
A small roving forward who loves sneaking a goal and hunting the football, and he spends a bit of time through the midfield, where his drive and effort wins him plenty of the football.
As his football has developed over the last few seasons, Sam manages to have an impact where ever he is positioned on the park for our team.
Sam is dedicated to his football and his club, he is always putting up his hand to help out where ever needed.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Minyip Murtoa's Mikaela Wright was presented with a Spirit of Netball award.
Wright is described as determined and whose drive and passion for netball shines through each week for her team.
The Burras have praised Wright for her positive attitude and the way she gives it her all whenever Wright takes the court.
Spirit of Football award winner
Minyip Murtoa's Jake Maher has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
The club describe Maher as a fantastic competitor who always gives his all both at training and on game day.
Maher is a popular team man who is very coachable.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Pimpinio's Tahnee Brown was presented with a HDFNL Spirit of Netball award.
Brown started her netball career with Net Set Go and has continued to play all her Junior netball at Pimpinio.
She is a talented defender who reads the play well.
Brown is a versatile player who can shoot goals when switched to the other end of the court.
Being a top-age player in 2023, Brown happily guides the younger players around the court.
She also plays in the A grade team this season and has adjusted well to the senior level.
Spirit of Football award winner
Nhill's Caleb Zanker was awarded a WFNL Spirit of Football award.
Zanker is only in his third season of Australian rules football.
He is playing consistent football for the Under-17s.
After playing some senior football in 2022, Zanker is thriving in the ruck in 2023, playing against people in his own age group.
He has brought his senior experience to the team while still learning the craft of his position and is a valuable team member.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Nhill's Elizabeth van der Linden was presented with a WFNL Spirit of Netball award.
van der Linden has stepped up to under-17's this year and has taken on the captaincy.
She brings enthusiasm from the centre position.
No matter what the scoreboard says, Van Der Linden and her team stay positive and continue to improve on their game each week.
Spirit of Football award winner
Pimpinio's Eamon Pyers was awarded a HDFNL Spirit of Football award.
Pyers came to the club at the start of 2020; despite being at Pimpinio for a relatively short period, Pyers has settled in like he has been at the club for several years.
This year he is one of the leaders in the Under-17 team - often leading from the front and bringing his younger and smaller teammates into the game.
Pyers never has a harsh word and is more than happy to take his turn when it comes to various rosters.
Spirit of Football award winner
Horsham Demon Gibson Perry has been awarded a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Gibson came to the Horsham Football Netball Club at the start of the 2022 season after he started his juniors at the Laharum Football Netball Club.
Since he came to Horsham, he has been a very hard worker on the training track, always trying to improve his performance on the field.
On game day, he is prepared to do whatever is required to help his team, whether working hard in the ruck or moving forward or back.
He is always more than happy to do what's best for the team. He shows leadership at training and during the games.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Horsham Demons under 17's netballer Sarah Miller has been presented with a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Miller is a versatile player that puts in 100 per cent every quarter.
She is a fierce leader and has the ability to lift her teammates to the next level during games.
Finding herself in the mid-court this season, Miller is a key playmaker.
Her passion for the game and enthusiasm to improve will make Miller a great asset when she moves to senior netball.
Spirit of Football award winner
Rupanyup's Hugh Weidemann was presented with a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Every week, Hugh turns up to junior and senior club football training, continually learning the trade of the game that he just loves playing.
Hugh also volunteers to run the scoreboard at home games and often runs water or the boundary at away games.
Whether he plays in the under 17 or under 14's, Hugh sets an example for his peers as a tough in-and-under type player.
Spirit of Netball award winner
Jeparit Rainbow's Nekeisha Bastin was presented with a HDFNL Spirit of Netball award.
During her junior career, Bastin has continued to grow as a player and is very eager to take any opportunities to improve her game.
Her dedication has led to her being selected to represent the Horsham District Football Netball League Representative teams in 2022 and 2023.
Bastin was also recognised for her efforts at the club and played her first senior game in 2022 at the age of 15.
Round Three Spirit of Netball award winner
Kalkee's Kody Benbow was the round three recipient of the Horsham District Football Netball League Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
I am honoured to have received this award. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my current coaches Meaghan Pohlner and Jaymi O'Connor, who have already taught me so much not only about netball but also about sportsmanship," Benbow said.
"I started playing Net Set Go at Central Park on a very early Saturday morning. I followed my netball all the way and now I'm currently in my ninth year at Kalkee playing 17 and Unders."
Round three Spirit of Football award winner
Ararat Rats' under 17 footballer James Jennings is the round three Wimmera Football Netball League Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award winner.
Jennings has been an impressive player for the Ararat Football Club for several years, culminating in a fantastic season in 2022, where he led the under 17 side to an incredible premiership victory.
He was elected captain of the Rats under 17 side in 2023 and shows leadership both on and off the field. Jennings encourages those around him, particularly younger players, to play with his fearless attitude.
Round two Spirit of Netball award winner
Horsham Saints' Cara Tippet is the round two recipient of the Wimmera Football Netball League Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Tippet started playing netball for the Saints as a 10-year-old at Central Park.
She has played under 13's, under 15's and under 17's and has now secured a spot playing senior netball.
Tippet has been a representative player for the Wimmera Interleague for the past three years.
Round two Spirit of Football award winner
Swifts' Lachie Kenyon was the round two Horsham and District Football Netball League Spirit of Football award recipient.
Kenyon started playing football with the Swifts in 2021 in the under 14's. He is a quality player and a quiet achiever.
In 2022, Kenyon was able to overcome a serious arm injury and has returned to football even better than before.
Kenyon is a dedicated player to his team and the Swifts. He is respectful of his teammates, coaches, umpires and opposition.
Round one Spirit of Netball award winner
Taylors' Lake A Grade netballer Lilly Weir is the round one recipient of the Horsham District Football Netball League Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Weir's on-court performance, both skill-wise and attitude, are phenomenal.
Lilly played under 17's last year as a top age under 15's player and has made Interleague squads and the state development program.
Lilly has been a standout in our senior ranks, playing a full season in B Grade last year and moving up into the A Grade side this year.
A true club person Lilly will do anything to help and is constantly looking for ways to improve her game.
Round one Spirit of Football award winner
Warrack Eagles Under-17's footballer Max Inkster was the round one recipient of the Wimmera Football Netball League Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
The year has started well for Inkster, who is in his first year of Under-17 football with the Warrack Eagles.
Inkster has developed into a very well-balanced footballer who can play in any area of the field.
He is naturally very fit and athletic, with good skills and plenty of pace.
Inkster is not afraid to put his body on the line, which showed on April 15 when he made his senior football debut.
Lucas Holmes
Lucas is a sports journalist with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. He completed his Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree through Charles Sturt University. Lucas is originally from Newcastle, New South Wales.
Lucas is a sports journalist with the Wimmera Mail-Times, Stawell Times-News and Ararat Advertiser. He completed his Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree through Charles Sturt University. Lucas is originally from Newcastle, New South Wales.
