Goulburn Valley League celebrated the year that was with its end of season awards ceremony on Tuesday.
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It was a historic night as the league held its presentation ceremony virtually for the first time due to COVID-19 restrictions.
A sign of the times, the entire event was live streamed and the players in contention for each of the awards tuned in to speak via zoom.
Chairman David Roff said it was important the league acknowledged the performances of all netballers and footballers during a challenging season.
“Given the current restrictions, we made the decision to livestream the event which is a first for the Goulburn Valley League,” Roff said.
“We wanted to recognise the tremendous effort players and officials went to to play the 11 rounds of this season in incredibly trying circumstances. On behalf of the GVL board, I’d like to congratulate all the winners on their achievements.”
Players, volunteers, coaches and clubs were celebrated through a number of awards and medals.
Proceedings began with Shepparton 15-and-under netballer Mackenzie O'Dwyer taking out the Jacqui Hudgson Medal, followed by 17-and-under Shepparton United goaler Hannah Onley who triumphed in the Carol Ryan Rising Star award.
The dead-eye shooter said she was grateful for the opportunity and thanked her United coaches Jessie Barnes and Kara Blizzard.
Onley, who has represented Victoria in basketball, edged out 2019 Jacqui Hodgson medallist Teal Hocking by five votes.
Emerging Mooroopna star Coby James became the first winner of the Scott Watson Medal.
James saluted in the inaugural under-16 football vote count with 19 votes.
“I'd like to thank my coaches, the GVL for putting on the season and my mum and dad for everything they do,” the Cats junior said.
In the under-18 ranks, Echuca captain Brady Simpson edged out a teammate to clinch a thrilling Pattison Medal count on 13 votes.
It was a Murray Bomber quinella, with Callum Parsons finishing runner-up on 12 votes.
The reserves football Abikhair Medal was a tie between Kyabram's Sean Dillon and Tatura's Ben Kennedy on 14 votes apiece.
Kennedy, a hard-running on-baller, said he lost count of how many votes he was on in the dying stages of the vote count.
“I tried to keep count in my head, but I couldn't keep up. But it's a great honour and well done to Sean for his season too,” Kennedy said.
Dillon and Kennedy thanked their respective coaches.
Shepparton United's Charlotte Keady said it was a "real privilege" to clinch the Gaye Eaton Medal.
Keady was by far the most dominant player in B-reserve this year, highlighted by her runaway 10-vote triumph.
“It's a team sport and, although this is an individual award, I wouldn't be in this position without my wonderful teammates,” Keady said.
Echuca's Greta Pearson secured the B-grade Sandra Cox Medal by the skin of her teeth.
Pearson (17 votes) finished one ahead of Seymour's Andrea McKenzie (16).
“I'd like to thank the league and Echuca for everything they have done. I know how hard this year has been,” Pearson said.
“Just being able to play was amazing and the season was so much fun. I have to thank all of my teammates for all of their support and my mum (Gina).”
Tatura young gun Elsie Boyer and Rochester's Adam McPhee claimed the Future Star and Rising Star awards respectively.
The league handed out numerous other accolades.
Seymour's Ben Davey and Shepparton United's Tania Orchard were recognised for their feats as senior coaches, while Euroa's Andrew Hill and Shepparton Swans’ Courtney Simpson were judged the best youth coaches.
Catherine Brooks was judged Administrator of the Year, while Benalla's Meg Morrison clinched the Volunteer of the Year award.
And Benalla's Gavin McDonald won the Spirit of the GVL award
Rochester's Chris O'Sullivan was awarded the netball umpire development gong.
The George Hunter Champion Club title went the way of Echuca.
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Sports Editor