DUE to the current challenging times, the Penola Eagles were forced to host a presentations night of a different kind on Friday.
With government restrictions limiting social gatherings, the presentations of Penola’s 2019-20 women’s season was held online.
The virtual event allowed the team to celebrate their achievements, albeit in their own living rooms.
Despite the strange setting, coach Will Clayfield said it brought the group closer together.
“It was definitely different,” he said.
“We were going to have our presentations night after the first men’s home-and-away game, but unfortunately we could not do that.
“But using Zoom was nice because we were able to have a bit more of a personal touch having a group call together.”
The toast of the night was Ali Ey, who overcame a significant setback to even take the field, let alone claim the club’s best and fairest award.
Before round one, Ey suffered an injury to her eye and Clayfield said it was remarkable to watch her go on to win the top honour.
“Coming into the season, there was a cloud over her,” he said.
“She suffered quite a serious eye injury last year and there was doubt whether she would play at all.
“By playing each week, Ali was risking some pretty serious damage, so just the fact she was able to play was an achievement in itself.
“She had a great season.”
Ey was a consistent contributor around the ground and was named in the best on six occasions.
Her top performance was against Kongorong where she scored a goal and was the leading Eagle on ground.
Ey enjoyed a strong finish to the season and was named best on ground in her final two games.
She held off runner-up Sally Skeer, who was another regular leader.
Skeer was mentioned in the best five times and achieved top votes twice.
Clayfield said the pair impressed with their commitment to all aspects of the game.
“What set them apart was how they executed the little things,” he said.
“They were very committed at training and during games they would talk a lot and bring intensity into the contests.”
The leading goal-scorer title was easily wrapped up by Angela Broad.
Broad kicked truly 10 times this season and enjoyed a seven-goal margin to her nearest team mate.
She was also thought of highly within her playing group after taking out the players’ MVP award.
Clayfield said Broad’s leadership and attributes made a significant impact on the team.
“Angela was one of our co-captains and her commitment towards everything to get the best out of herself set the tone in the group,” he said.
“As early as July last year, I was having discussions with her and she was really keen to put her best foot forward, which she did.
“Her leadership throughout the season was really good.
“She stands out with the way she leads and tries to get a lot of girls to come out of their shells.”
Lauren Burns claimed the most-improved award, while the coach’s trophy went to Amanda Wurst.
Another major announcement was made by Clayfield.
After two seasons at the helm, he called time on his stint with the team.
Under his reign, Penola finished sixth on both occasions and Clayfield said the time was right to hand over the reigns.
“I had always planned on just having a two-year stint with the team,” he said.
“This was my first time coaching and I thank the players for their patience with me.
“They have a really good platform with the basics and I think it is a good time to get someone who has a little bit more knowledge and hopefully see some success going forward.
“It was great experience.”
