PENOLA Football Netball Club held its end-of-season awards night last week, with Simon Berkefeld claiming the A Grade football honours as best and fairest player for the third consecutive year.
Berkefeld has been a prime mover through the middle of the ground since he moved to Penola.
He played in 16 games this season and was in the club’s best 12 times.
He kicked a total of 12 goals, but his influence was undoubtedly through the mid-field, where his silky skills continue to show why he has been such a successful sportsperson.
Brad Bryant finished runner-up after an impressive first season with the Eagles.
His impact was immediate, as he joined the Eagles for pre-season training.
He went on to play in 17 games for the year, was in the club’s best players 13 times and kicked a total of eight goals.
His influence around the ground was a major factor in the Eagles reaching the finals again.
His connection with former Western Border Football League players Berkefeld and Brock Egan helped the Eagles’ cause, but as a stand-alone player, he has slotted into the team well and is worthy of the recognition.
Leading goal kicker went to Brad Merrett, who in 15 games slotted home 54 major scores, with a season-high seven goals against Kaniva Leeor.
Scott Merrett claimed most consistent, along with footballer of the year for the second time.
Merrett has continued to improve year-on-year, with his tough brand of football valued by the club.
In his 16 games he was named in the club’s best on 14 occasions, showing the consistency which bore the award.
Along the way he booted nine goals, with a game-high of three against Kingston.
Throughout the season coach Matt Tilby noted the tough defensive efforts of Alex Moore, who he classed as one of the best backmen around.
Those thoughts were echoed at the awards where Moore was named best backman for the Eagles.
Harry Porter was named best first year player, with Tilby giving him big raps all season for his defensive efforts.
Rounding out the A Grade honours, Damian Wenham was voted best team man and the coach’s trophy went to Sam Klemm.
Meanwhile, Justin Mansell claimed best and fairest for the Reserves side.
Mansell’s efforts throughout the season warranted the award, as he appeared in the club’s best on 11 occasions from his 15 games.
Along the way he booted 21 goals, with a game-high tally of six against Kaniva Leeor.
Conan Devereux finished runner-up to Mansell and also claimed most valuable player.
Tom Clayfield kicked the most goals, with 48 to his name after 18 games.
Jack Gartner was awarded most improved.
Best team man went to Mathew Hutchesson and James Foggo was awarded the coach’s trophy.
Club person of the year went to Alex Lambert, while life memberships were handed out to Fred Clayfield, Jon Copping and Sally Skeer.
Brooke Klemm was voted best and fairest in A Grade netball, ahead of Skeer, with April Possingham most consistent.
Karly Honner claimed best and fairest in A Reserve from Chelsea Bradley, while Chloe Long was voted best in the finals series.
B Grade saw Kerry Dent with the best and fairest honours from Amelia Redman, with Nicole Hayes most consistent.
In C Grade Sarah Pitt was named best and fairest, ahead of Paula Wishart, with the coach’s award going to Jess McIntyre.
Wishart and Kimberley Wilson both received their C Grade badging for umpiring this season.
Under 13 player Tess Porter was presented with the Tanya Skeer Memorial Award for the most votes received across the whole netball club.
