The Benalla and District Junior Football League's 2019 season came to a recent close with its Under-16, Under-14 and Under-12 awards presentations, with several players recognised for their strong seasons.
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Benalla Bulldogs' Under-16 pocket rocket Blake Booker was rewarded for an exceptional 2019 season, winning the best and fairest award. Booker narrowly nudged out team-mate Lachie Anderson.
Other winners were Mitch Antonello (coaches’ award), Charlie Bull (most consistent and goal kicking) and Ethan Wright-Fry (most improved).
There were no surprises in the Benalla Giants' best and fairest results, with Lachlan Boyle adding the club’s highest honour to his season’s spoils. Skilful on-baller Will O’Donoghue was runner-up.
Awards were also presented to Will Tilton (coaches' award), Hoby Tonks (most consistent), Michael Clarke (most improved) and Deakyn Kohler (goal kicking).
In the Under-14 vote count, Miller Gilchrist and Joe Berry were joint winners of the Benalla Bulldogs' best and fairest awards. Both players had exceptional season under coach Bart Berry. Tom Riley was runner-up, while Macca Gall (coaches’ award), Zach Liddington (most improved), Henry Hill (goal kicking) and Jacko Lindsay (most determined) were all recognised.
For the Giants, Tyler McGregor was the runaway winner of the best and fairest award from first-year player Cooper Gracie, with Liam Curtis (most consistent), Charlie Burfield (coaches’ award), Sam Cox (goal kicking), and Sophie Boyle (most improved) also awarded.
In the Under-12 voting, Benalla White utility Jaidyn Chee was a runaway winner of his team’s best and fairest award, polling 54 votes from runner-up Kyle Pearce. Chee also polled well in the Wangaratta and District Junior Football League count.
Other awards were presented to Braedon Blackford (most improved), Jack Parker (most consistent) and Xavier Rhodes (coaches’ award).
The voting for Benalla Red was a tight contest with Hamish Willett polling 32 votes, two ahead of team-mate Rory Sammon.
Dusty McCarthy was the team’s most improved player, while Xavier Wapling was awarded the most consistent trophy in his first season in Under-12. The coaches’ award was presented to Owain Boyle.
Benalla and District Junior Football League president Darren Skelton thanked the Benalla All Blacks Football Netball Club and Benalla Lakeside Centre for hosting this season’s presentations.
The BDJFL would also like to thank all its dedicated volunteers, sponsors and the Benalla and district community for its support of junior football in Benalla.
