Juniors impress

Horsham District Football Netball League’s top junior participants have won recognition for their outstanding seasons.

Rupanyup’s Connor Weidemann and Pimpinio’s Fredrick Frew have tied for top honours in the under-17 football division, polling 13 votes apiece.

Only one vote separated the pair from runners-up Jye Brown, Pimpinio, and Lachlan Weidemann, Rupanyup, with Kalkee pair Isaiah Adams and Vincent Macalinga coming third on 11 votes.

Several under-14 players proved to be vote magnets throughout 2021, with two footballers collecting 30 votes throughout the shortened 12-match season.

Laharum’s Monty Wynne and Edenhope-apsley’s Ryley Munro claimed best-and-fairest accolades after outstanding performances throughout the year.

The pair won two votes clear of runner-up Austin Giusa, Swifts, with Kaniva-leeor United’s Shayden Saunders third on 24 votes.

The netball grades were also hotly contested, with Pimpinio’s Tahlia Thompson triumphing in 17 and unders.

Thompson polled an impressive 26 votes, ahead of Kalkee’s Olivia Brilliant, 25.

Taylors Lake’s Kayla Kelm was third on 22 votes.

In the 15 and unders, two votes separated winner Adelle Weidemann, of Rupanyup, 24 votes, and Kaniva-leeor United’s Victoria Verrall.

Third place went to Taylors Lake’s Lilly Weir, with 19 votes.

Isla Hiscock picked up 25 votes to win best-and-fairest honours in the 13 and unders.

Natimuk United’s Ella Hallam and Rupanyup’s Phoebe Downer were runners-up on 20 votes, with Mia Rees, Harrow-balmoral, and Eliza Vivian, Kaniva-leeor United, third on 19 apiece.