Echuca Football Netball Club president Justin Hatfield accepted the award on the club’s behalf. Photos: Jordan Townrow.
For the third time in as many years, Echuca Football Netball Club has won club of the year at the Echuca-Moama Sportstar Awards.
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This feat is off the back of sustained dominance from the majority of the club, including 2024 victories for the senior, reserves, under-18s and women’s football teams.
The club had some success in netball as well with the A-grade side falling just short in the grand final to Euroa, while the under-15s team took home the premiership.
The club as a unit has dominated the GVL in both football and netball through much of the 2020s while also maintaining a community-oriented mindset.
Club president Justin Hatfield reflected on the night and his desire for the Murray Bombers to continue a steady trajectory in the season ahead.
“It was a good evening. It is always great to be given the award and acknowledgment for the entire club,” he said.
“The club seems to continue to maintain its momentum, so we are excited about what is ahead in 2025.
“We like to focus on the basics and continue to be community minded with everything we do as a leader in our area.
“Being honoured with the award is a nice incentive to keep doing what we are doing and there are a few things we are putting in to place to make sure our process continues to work.
“This award is such a club accolade. There is no one person that contributes, everyone in the club chips in and that is why we have continued success.”
Club of the year nominee representatives John Moyle (Echuca Cricket Club), Ryan Quirk (Border Raiders FC) and Justin Hatfield (Echuca Football Netball Club).
Photo by
Jordan Townrow
Hatfield then spoke about his desire to look after his players, specifically the younger players, and continue to oversee their development as they continued in their careers.
“Off the field, we are just trying to keep all our younger players together. We have so many good kids and we want to maintain that,” he said.
“As far as initiatives go, we are just trying to get all the little things right, make sure everyone is taken care of in pre-season, before and after games.
“We are trying to give our younger footballers some extra training because there is naturally a little bit of frustration with them not being able to play senior football.
“Their continued development and improvement are key focuses for us. We view our footballers as a big group and not separate teams.”
Echuca Football Netball Club prevailed over nominees Echuca Cricket Club and Border Raiders Football Club in winning the award.
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