Club president Rodney Weidemann said the Downers did anything and everything around the club. 

“They have been running the Auskick for a long time – I’m not even sure I can put a timeline on that,” he said. 

“Matt coaches the under 14s and then after they play he will go around the club helping out wherever needed. He also set up the gym in the old change rooms – he resourced the equipment and painted it.

“Jenni coaches B Grade and fills in for any grades that need it anytime. She is a trainer for the under 14s, and also works in the canteen when she has some spare time. 

“On training nights Jenni helps sort out the meals for our juniors.” 

Weidemann said the pair was always busy at the club. 

“They were a bit humbled and embarrassed when they were awarded this, and I don’t think they expected it,” he said. 

“They also have three kids at the club: Blake, Riley and Phoebe. 

“We are very grateful for their contribution to the club – they always put their hands up to help.” 

The club enjoyed a year of gradual improvement in the Horsham District league 2017 season with the A Grade team finishing in seventh position, two wins out of the top six.

The senior football team improved tremendously toward the end of the season but could not quite move themselves up the table. 

At the club presentation day, senior footballing import Hugh McMurtrie was named the Richie Dunlop Memorial medallist. 

McMurtrie was a key player for the Panthers all season and made an immediate impact every time he was on the oval. 

Daniel Launer received the President’s Trophy after being named the runner-up. 

Mainstay Blair Burke was named the Kerri Baker Memorial medallist for the A Grade netball side. 

Burke was a constant threat underneath the ring and a leader on and off the court. 

Jenni Downer was named the runner-up. 

Kayla Woods has been reappointed as the A Grade netball coach for the 2018 season. 

Weidemann said it was positive to have Woods on board for her second year at the helm. 

“She will keep the group together. There is a good vibe around the netball at the moment, and the club,” he said. 

“Kayla is a very good leader and isn’t someone who takes nonsense, but she is always willing to take on advice from others.” 

Richie Dunlop Memorial - Hugh McMurtrie

President's Trophy – Daniel Launer

Ken Daggatt Memorial - Daniel Schaper

Ron Lingham Memorial - Paul Trotter

Coaches Trophy - Jordan May

Most Improved - Zac Taylor

Most Improved - Ash Teasdale

Best and Fairest - Ross Tickner

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Chris Schaper

Third Best and Fairest - Tim Scott

Coaches Trophy - Corey Chenoweth

John Taylor Memorial - Jordan Weidemann

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Harris Sudholz

Third Best and Fairest - David Horvat

Coaches Trophy - Hayden Grace

Best and Fairest - Lachlan Weidemann

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Connor Weidemann

Third Best and Fairest - Blake Downer

Coaches Award - Rhyce Allen

Kerri Baker Memorial - Blair Burke

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Jenni Downer

Third Best and Fairest - Alex Downes

Coaches Trophy - Kiarah House

Best and Fairest - Ebony Baker

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Mikaela Reading

Third Best and Fairest - Tanya Sudholz

Coaches Trophy - Laura Byrnes Smith

Best and Fairest - Megan Boyd

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Tess Healy

Third Best and Fairest - Elle Adamson

Coaches Trophy - Cristy Zolj

Best and Fairest - Sophie Connor

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Kimberley McQueen

Third Best and Fairest - Ashlee Tucker

Coaches Trophy - Emma Quinlivin

Best and Fairest - Kiarah House

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Kali Roberts

Third Best and Fairest - Elissa Jess

Coaches Trophy - Elissa Jess

Best and Fairest - Heather Hemley

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Laura Hyslop

Third Best and Fairest - Kirah Smith

Coaches Trophy - Lottie Loats

Best and Fairest - Ellonia Barnett

Runner-up Best and Fairest - Adelle Weidemann

Third Best and Fairest - Grace Turner

Coaches Trophy - Kylie Angue