Kilmore Football Netball Club hosted its presentation night at Kilmore Trackside in front of about 150 people to celebrate the club and its achievements this season.

The night, on September 16, brought together the senior football and netball programs providing a chance for the two groups to come together and celebrate their achievements and the club.

Kilmore Football Netball Club president Ben Egan said the night was excellent with Trackside putting on a great event.

“[It was] one of the better awards nights in recent memory,” he said.

“The different nights and demographics of our footballers and netballers have posed challenges at times, but the netball group add so much to our club, and we love the opportunity to celebrate the achievements.

“We love opportunities like this to bring the groups together and really want to look at increasing events that bring football and netball together in 2024.”

Senior footballer Chris Barton received the Bernie Hede best and fairest award and Mick Marrett came runners-up best and fairest.

“Chris is a fantastic player and person. He has demonstrated over the last three seasons with us that he is the equal of any player in the competition and we are thrilled he is back with us again in 2024,” Egan said.

Bailey Derrick received best defender, Ethan Derrick was leading goal kicker and Marcus Lacorcia won the young gun award, shining a light on the performances on some of the senior side’s younger players.

“We pride ourselves on being a club that provides opportunities to young players and we have been rewarded,” Egan said.

“Both Derricks have hit the bracket where they can be Team of the Year players in this league.

“We want players like the Lacorcias, Derricks and co to take over and dominate games – homegrown young players from great families.

“If you are a young player in this region and want to play senior football, Kilmore is the club to be at.”

In Reserves football, Luke Gallina and Nick Ferris were equal best and fairest.

“Luke has been brilliant since he has come to us. I’m so glad to see him get rewarded. He is really valued at the club and this award is greatly deserved,” Egan said.

“Nick is as good of a clubman as you would ever want to find. He probably thought his career was at an end a few times over the last few years so to keep himself fit and motivated speaks volumes of his character.

“This award will probably be named after him when it’s all said and done.”

In a show of perseverance, Bailey Taylor-Egan came Reserves third runners-up after announcing earlier this season he was stepping away from football indefinitely.

Taylor-Egan was dealing with the fall out of a pre-existing head injury that left him struggling to walk from the field after the Blues’ round one loss to Laurimar.

“Bailey’s effort to come back showed great courage. It hasn’t been easy for him, but it was brilliant to see him come back,” Egan said.

“At the end of the day, he is the best forward in division three football. To have him back in our senior team next year would be like getting a gun new recruit considering he barely played this year.

“We can’t wait to see him back at his best.”

The club fielded seven netball teams in the Northern Football Netball League’s Friday night competition and Egan said they could have had nine to 10 ‘at a stretch and with some more coaches’.

“It’s such a big change from the day of barely having enough for one team,” he said.

“We are one of the biggest netball programs in the league and we hope that continues to grow even further. It’s a tremendous asset for the club and the town.”

Alice Irons was named Club Person of the Year.

“This award is so well deserved. When I sat down to pick the award, I thought about it for about two seconds,” Egan said.

“There’s nothing at the club she hasn’t done and I’m so glad she felt appreciated.

“Words can’t sum up how much we respect and appreciate her, and her whole family.”

Kilmore Football Netball Club awards

Football

Senior football

Bernie Hede Award (best and fairest): Chris Barton

Runner-up: Mick Marrett

Third best and fairest: Leigh Irons

Best defender: Bailey Derrick

Young Gun award: Marcus Lacorcia

Leading goal kicker: Ethan Derrick

Reserves Football

Equal best and fairest: Luke Gallina and Nick Ferris

Third runner-up best and fairest: Bailey Taylor-Egan

Most improved: Luke Finlayson

Leading goal kicker: Marcus Webb

Netball

Kilmore 1

Best and fairest: Chrystalla McIntyre

Runner-up: Leah Toomey

Kilmore 2

Best and fairest: Logan Scott

Runner-up: Stephanie Fowkes

Kilmore 3

Best and fairest: Ella Stoward

Runner-up: Emma Mallia

Kilmore 4

Best and fairest: Jenaya Jackson

Runner-up: Deanne Tuppen

Kilmore 5

Best and fairest: Tayla Albert

Runner-up: Emily Traynor

Kilmore 6

Best and fairest: Ella Mathlin

Runner-up: Phoebe Hanna

Kilmore 7

Best and fairest: Annabel Clark

Runner-up: Hayley Slatich

Club person of the year: Alice Irons