The Blue Ribbon Foundation has announced its winners of the Spirit of Sport awards across the Wimmera Football Netball and Horsham District Football Netball Leagues.
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The awards are presented to junior athletes who showcase their sportsmanship, fair play and mutual respect
HDFNL Spirit of Netball award winner
Laharum netballer Tarah Bond has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Bond started playing at about 10 years old and played under-13 and 15s with Dimboola.
Tarah started with Laharum in 2024 and has loved making new friends and has enjoyed the opportunity to play junior and senior netball each week.
She works hard on her fitness and goal accuracy during the week, so she can improve on weekends and support her team in having some wins.
HDFNL Spirit of Football award winner
Laharum footballer Chase Whelan is a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award winner.
He leads by example both on and off the field and always offers his services in voluntary roles when not required to play.
Whelan is always encouraging to his peers, respectful to others, and is well known for bringing his younger teammates into the game.
Chase has always played the game fairly and is well-respected by his opponents.
HDFNL Spirit of netball award winner
Lilly has played all her juniors with Taylors Lake along with her sisters.
The Weir family are a special part of the club.
Lily is a is a versatile player with the ability to play every position on the court, and encourages and is supportive of her teammates.
She gives her all at training and match day, always listening and working hard to improve her game.
WFNL Spirit of Football award winner
Southern Mallee Thunder under-17s football Jamie Eckermann has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
The club regards Eckermann as one of his sides' toughest players.
Jamie is always fair in the way he plays by going for the ball and putting his body on the line, which is why he was voted as vice-captain by his teammates.
He has been a consistent player for his team, and the Thunder are looking forward to seeing what he can do for the rest of the year.
HDFNL Spirit of Netball award winner
Harrow Balmoral netballer Tara McIntyre is a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award winner.
Tara started playing netball at the age of 9 in the Horsham City competition on Saturday mornings, then played for Horsham for four years before coming to Harrow Balmoral.
According to the club, she has played both ends of the court but loves the challenge of playing in the goals more.
Tara strives for her best every week, and her love for the sport continues to grow every year.
This is Tara's last year of playing junior netball, so her goal this year is to show leadership and encouragement to fellow team members.
HDFNL Spirit of Football award winner
Edenhope Apsley footballer Oliver Dunstan has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
The club commends Dunstan for being a talented young footballer who conducts himself with sportsmanship and respect on and off the field.
He is always dedicated to his training and games and is a role model for his teammates.
WFNL Spirit of Netball award winner
Southern Mallee Thunder netballer Nekeisha Bastin is a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award winner.
Bastin is an all-rounder and can comfortably play in most positions on the court.
She leads by example and is a smart player who uses space well and feeds beautifully to her shooters.
Her defensive pressure on the court also picks up many valuable intercepts.
WFNL Spirit of Football award winner
Dimboola footballer Marcel Badua has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Marcel is a new player to the club from the Jeparit Rainbow Storm.
He is an enthusiastic team member and is always available for any job around the club.
Marcel has the athletic ability to run all day and chase down larger opponents.
According to the club, his most valuable asset is his ferocious attack on the football within the rules of the game.
Marcel always ensures he plays fairly and within the spirit of the game.
He has worked incredibly hard this year to improve all aspects of his football, which has paid off.
HDFNL Spirit of Netball award winner
Natimuk United 17 and under netballer Phoebe Sudholz is a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award winner.
Phoebe has played all her juniors with Natimuk United and is also a member of the B Grade team in 2024.
According to the Rams, she is a versatile player who can play every position on the court, but she is seen mostly in centre for her 17s team.
Sudholz is the captain of the team and is encouraging and supportive of those around her.
Phoebe is a reliable player who gives her all at training and on match day.
She always listens and works hard to improve her game.
HDFNL Spirit of Football award winner
Natimuk United Under 17s footballer Ned Glascott is a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award winner.
Ned has played all his life at Natimuk United and is always keen to learn and develop his skills on the field.
He has been selected in the HDFNL interleague teams and has trained with the GWV Rebels' development teams.
On the field Ned is always supportive of his teammates, encouraging them and taking the time to make sure they are enjoying their footy.
Off-field Ned put his hand up to do extra jobs around the club, run water, wash dishes and even cooks the bacon and eggs each week.
HDFNL Spirit of Football award winner
Taylors Lake Swifts U/17 footballer Lachie Kenyon received the HDFNL Blue Ribbon Spirit of Football award for round one.
Kenyon started playing football with the Swifts in 2021 in under-14s.
The club said he is a quality player and quiet achiever who has made significant contributions to the junior program since he arrived at Swifts.
His natural leadership qualities have earned him a leadership role this season in the under-17s team.
His exceptional skills, creativity, and run out of the midfield set him apart.
The Swifts are delighted with Lachie's progress and eagerly anticipate his transition to senior football, where his promising future awaits.
HDFNL Spirit of Netball award winner
Edenhope Apsley 17 and Under netballer has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Netball award.
Linto is a valued member of the Saints' 17 and under netball side.
She leads on the court with a strong and supportive approach toward her team.
Layla never drops her head or lets frustration get the better of her whilst on the court.
She persists when challenged, and always gives her best effort and encourages others to do the same.
WFNL Spirit of Football award winner
Gibson Perry has received a Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football award.
Perry is a valued club member; he joined the club three seasons ago from Laharum in the Horsham District Football Netball League.
He has returned this season bigger and stronger after he missed the second half of last year with a broken ankle.
Perry kicked five goals in round one, and the club is excited to see what his future football will bring.
WFNL Spirit of Netball award winner
Horsham Demon Zarli Knight has received a WFNL Spirit of Netball award.
She stands out as a strong attacking player in netball.
With her natural talent and determination, she is a pleasure to watch.
The Demons see Knight's movement across the court as one of her biggest assets, and her eagerness to continue to push herself to play better netball.
Zarli consistently plays a fair game and demonstrates respect for her opponents.
It is no surprise to the club that Zarli has been honoured with the Blue Ribbon award, acknowledging both her talent and character.
HDFNL Spirit of Netball award winner
Kalkee netballer Cadi Streeter has received the Blue Ribbon Spirit of Netball award for round two of the HDFNL.
"I feel very honoured to receive this award; I love netball and playing for the Kalkee Football and Netball Club," Streeter told the club.
"I have been playing with Kalkee since the very beginning of moddies netball in 2016. Since this time, I have been fortunate to play alongside the same teammates for most of my netball.
"During my time at Kalkee, I have been supported by the best coaches, who can take a lot of credit for the player I have become today."