What a night it was as new Toohey and Hatcher Medallists were crowned on Monday.
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The Toohey Medal count came down to the wire, with Ararat’s Dan Mendes, Horsham’s Ryan Kemp and Warrack Eagles’ Nick Peters unable to be separated on 20 votes each, becoming the first three-way winners since 1987.
The Hatcher Medal was not as close, with 18-year-old Demon Emma Buwalda comfortably winning the honour.
The Ararat table filled the room with noise however, cheering on their own A Grade star Krystal Fisher with every one of her 17 votes she received.
It was a special night for a few Stawell Warriors members as well.
Colene Matthews had years of dedication to the club and the sport of netball rewarded, being inducted as a life member into the Wimmera Netball Association.
Courtney McIlvride was unable to attend but she won the B Grade best and fairest award, while Maddison Jelly was runner-up in the C Grade.
Footballers Tom Taurau and Naish McRoberts had excellent seasons recognised too.
McRoberts polled 15 votes and may have gone close to winning the Toohey had he not sustained a hamstring injury late in the season.
The youngster’s breakthrough year was still acknowledged though, winning the rising star award for best player under 21 years old.