Juniors stand strong
Stawell’s Jakob Salmi and Horsham Saints’ Abby Hallam won the major awards up for grabs at Wimmera Football League and Wimmera Netball Association junior presentations.
Both won best and fairest awards, Salmi clinching an under-17 football trophy and Hallam a 17 and under netball award.
Salmi won a football count with 18 votes from Horsham’s Jakob Glare and Nhill’s Angus Wheaton, who tied on 13. Ned Bohner from Ararat was next with 11.
Hallam won her trophy by two votes, polling 30 to finish ahead of Stephanie Glover from Dimboola and Ararat’s Delaney Mcloughlan, both on 28. Ruby Redford, also from Dimboola, was next on 22.
The night also featured under-14 football and 15 and under A and B and 13 and under netball counts.
In the 15 and under A competition, Horsham’s Molly Lakin and Ararat’s Racquel Scott tied with 30 votes to share the best and fairest award. Next were Stawell’s Dakota Cosson, 25, and Molly Orr and Ararat’s Jesse Bligh, 22.
The Wimmera’s premier under-14 football trophy went to Jett Hopper of Horsham with 33 votes, three clear of Jordan Cox of Ararat. Brody Pope of Horsham was third on 25.
The Horsham club also enjoyed success in 15 and under B netball, with Kate Sleep winning a count with 15 votes from Stawell player Jemma Peters, 11.
Imogen Worthy helped complete a big night for the Demons by winning a 13 and under netball count by the barest of margins.
The Horsham player won with 25 votes from Nicola Clyne of Warrack Eagles, 24, and Tahni Scrimizzi, Horsham Saints, and Philippa Bush, Ararat, 22.