The leading players in home and away rounds of the Wimmera Hockey Association season were celebrated recently at a function hosted by the Warracknabeal Hockey Club, with all clubs represented among the winners.
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BEST AND FAIREST
The Open Best and Fairest count was very close with only three votes separating the top two.
Every team has its group of leading players who regularly feature in the published umpires votes each week, and this year's Association Best and Fairest winner, Lachlan Mills, has been quietly establishing himself in this group within the Kaniva Cobras, having finished fourth in 2016 and third in 2018. Mills polled 37 votes and runner up Cameron Bardell (Warrack Hoops) earned 34.
Erin Alexander (Yanac Women) exended her dominance of this award by winning it for the sixth time with 59 votes, and Ellie Murden (Ellie Murden) came second with 53.
As the Under 16s is a mixed competition, two trophies are awarded. Max Goodwin received the boys award with 70 votes out of a possible 90, followed by Ben Williamson of the Warrack Revengers with 54, and the girls award went to Mikayla Farmers for a record equalling fourth consecutive time with 45 votes and Serena Foot (Horsham Bombers) was runner up with 24.
GOAL SCORERS: The leading goal scorers during the regular season included Lachlan Schultz (Dimboola Burras) with 12 goals in the Open competition, Adina King (Dimboola Roos) who topped the Women's scoring with 19, Jasper Croot (Yanac Warriors) with 24 goals as the leading under 16 boy and Mikayla Farmers dominated the scoring for the under 16 girls with 23 goals.
GOALKEEPER OF THE YEAR: The leading goalkeepers in each division are celebrated with the Goalkeeper of the Year awards, which is based on votes given by the umpires after each game. Veteran 'keeper Murray Miller (Nhill Rangers) received this award in the Open division, Kaniva's Emily Hicks narrowly won the Women's title, and Kayden Rowe (Nhill Leopards) was judged the best in the Under 16 division.
UMPIRES AWARDS: The Wimmera Hockey Association acknowledges the important role that umpires play in the competition by presenting four trophies to individuals who show a significant commitment to this aspect of the competition. Horsham's Stuart Hallett was awarded the WHA's Golden Whistle, with the Silver Whistle going to Lachlan Schultz (Dimboola) and the Bronze Whistle to Todd Alexander (Yanac). An encouragement award is presented to an umpire who shows enthusiasm for learning and great promise in the art, and they are usually a beginner. This went to Joshua Schwarz from the Nhill club.