JUST one vote separated two Warrack Eagles at the top of the Wimmera Netball Association’s 17 and under best and fairest count on Monday night.
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Leiah McKenzie claimed the prize with 20 votes ahead of team-mate Summer Schultz, 19.
It was a fitting result, given the Eagles won the minor premiership without losing a game.
McKenzie polled in eight matches, which included six best-on-court efforts.
After winning a 15 and under best and fairest award two years ago, the midcourter said she was rapt to again finish on top.
“We have a pretty good team and we all probably pulled votes from each other,” she said.
McKenzie, who has also played nine A Grade games this season and starred in the Wimmera’s under-17s interleague match against North Central, thanked her parents and coaches for their support throughout the year.
The top-age player said she hoped to continue her netball next season.
“I’ll be moving to Ballarat next year, so I might try out for a Ballarat team,” she said.
It was the second consecutive year McKenzie and Schultz have been separated by just one vote.
Schultz, who has also played A Grade and interleague netball this season, said she was happy for her team-mate.
Ararat’s Lucy Mills finished third with 15 votes, with rising star award winner Courtney Guy, 14, of Horsham, and Stawell’s Meg Walker, 13, rounding out the top five.
In the 15 and under A count, Horsham’s Georgia Hiscock polled 16 votes in the second half of the season to win the best and fairest award.
Hiscock, 28 votes, chased down Dimboola’s Olivia Jorgensen, 27, and Rianna Kuhne, 25, who finished second and third.
Kuhne was last season’s 13 and under best and fairest winner.
Hiscock, who played for Horsham RSL Diggers last season, received best-on-court honours in seven matches.
The goal defence, who starred for the Demons A Grade side at the weekend, said she played in a strong team.
“We’ve come together during the season and all the girls have really played their part,” she said.
“We just need to keep doing what we’ve been all season in the finals.”
Nhill’s Tessa Marra polled 24 votes to take out the 15 and under B best and fairest accolade.
Marra finished ahead of Horsham’s Bella Patteron, 18 votes, and Ararat’s Annie Shea, 17.
“I love my netball and I’ve enjoyed my season,” Marra said.
“I just want to work my way up to A Grade.”
In the 13 and under competition, Horsham’s Tamika Mentha polled 28 votes to claim the trophy.
Mentha received best-on-court honours on eight occasions, including six consecutive three-vote performances between rounds four and nine.
“I’m pretty happy,” she said.
“I’ve played centre, goal attack and goal defence.
“I would like to thank my family for taking me every week and my coach and the girls for their support.”
Stawell’s Kasey Mornane finished second with 25 votes, with Horsham Saints’ Anesu Gororo third with 19.