Chris Febvre • December 13, 2021
WDJFL 2021 Season Awards
WDJFL 2021 Season Awards
With the season cancelled, and the last three weeks of the finals abandoned, 2021 was not the season we all thought it would be as we looked to bounce back from an equally disappointing 2020.
As we got some clear air to host the 2021 edition of the WDJFL Presentation Night, the league and the advisory panel thought it necessary to hold it as soon as we could, this being November 8.
The night started with MC Zac Guilfoyle reading out the following awards:
Minor Premiers
Under 12s: Centrals JFC Centrals were undefeated in the under 12s on the season, escaping with a draw in the dying stages of the season to keep their streak alive.
Under 14s: College JFC College were also undefeated and dominant led by Chris Doyle.
Under 17s: Junior Magpies JFC. For many of the Junior Magpies players this would have been their first finals series, but play was called off the Friday night before their game and play couldn’t get back underway under the government guidelines. A disappointing end for the Minor Premiers.
Most Valuable Players
Under 12s: Noah White, Bright JFC
Under 14s: Jack Hazeldine, Myrtleford JFC
Under 17s: Cooper Thomason, Bright JFC
Best First Year Player
Under 14s: Charlie Haring, College JFC
Under 17s: Lachlan Miotto, Myrtleford JFC and Will McCarthy, College JFC
Leading Goal Kicker
Under 14s: Montell Macfarlane, Benalla Bulldogs JFC
Under 17s: Brody Bouker, Myrtleford JFC
League Best and Fairest Awards
Under 12s Kevin Mahoney Medal, winner: Kaiden Wohlers, Centrals JFC
Under 12s Kevin Mahoney Medal, runner up: Ollie Reynolds, Kangaroos JFC
Under 14s Ken Farrell Medal, winner: Charlie Haring, College JFC
Under 14s Ken Farrell Medal, runner up: Jack Hazeldine, Myrtleford JFC and Hamish Willett, Benalla Giants JFC
Under 17s: McCormick Medal, winner: Ben Les, Mansfield JFC
Under 17s McCormick Medal, runner up: Judd Schubert, Tigers JFC
That wrapped up 2021 for the Wangaratta & District JFL, with plenty of talent coming through the ranks.
2024 saw the launch of the AFL North East Border Volunteer Recognition Program, proudly supported by one of our long standing partners, APCO! The program recognised 20 volunteers across the region each week throughout the footy season and will do the same once again in 2025. The categories include - Club Volunteer Umpire/Club Umpire Junior/Youth Coach Auskick Coordinator/Volunteer Clubs are welcome to nominate one of their hard working volunteers throughout the year, and if they are selected they will receive a $50 APCO voucher to use in an APCO store near you. Nominations can be submitted by clicking on the following link - VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION NOMINATION FORM
Two local football netball clubs are set to receive a funding boost to upgrade their lighting infrastructure through the Country Football Netball funding program! The Milawa Football Netball Club who compete in the Ovens & King FNL and Barnawartha Football Netball Club competing in the Tallangatta & District Football League will both receive funding through the Country Football Netball Program which through a partnership between the Victorian Government, AFL, AFL Victoria and Netball Victoria aims to support county football and netball clubs infrastructure improvements and developments. A total of 7 clubs across Victoria received funding in this round, and with two clubs successful in the North East it is a great outcome for football in the region and both clubs should be congratulated for the work they have put in to be successful! We look forward to seeing these projects come to life! For more information on the program and other success applicants please click here - https://play.afl/victoria/news/funding-boost-country-football-facilities?fbclid=IwY2xjawIx1hdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHYxTMXDPhmQhLOMmUjo6YAkpXU-dFqKLUzVdYIegdiFK2xGe-yf-PgwBiA_aem_EdgEJ5XDtkeJH8VGU35rfA
2025 saw AFLNEB host there now annual Club Development Day which had a focus on upskilling those who are hands on during game days throughout the season! With over 45 attendees participating in three dynamic workshops - - Club Umpire Session, - Coaching Masterclass Session, and - Building Stronger Clubs Workshop - Our Community Club Leaders and dedicated Volunteers are now equipped with the resources and skills to tackle the upcoming season! Additionally, more than 25 Sports Trainers benefited from the Level 1 Sports Trainer Course, enhancing their expertise and readiness. Massive thank you to La Trobe University Albury-Wodonga for hosting us at their amazing campus! We wish all the clubs the best for the upcoming season and look forward to further supporting them with additional sessions throughout the year!
