WALLAN, Romsey and Lancefield dominated the Riddell District Football Netball League’s night of nights, the Bowen and Ryan Medals.
It was a huge night for Wallan’s co-captain Steven Boyall, who took out his second Bowen Medal, taking away the count with 23 votes to win by three from Diggers Rest’s Marcus Calvaresi.
Boyall had an exceptional year, named in the best on eight occasions from his 15 games, regularly hitting the scoreboard with nine goals.
This continues a remarkable trend for Wallan, which, with Boyall’s help, has dominated the Bowen Medal count in recent years.
Boyall’s previous win was in 2022, while teammate Chris Stewart took the award in 2024. Ricky Schraven won in 2021, and Jesse Davies did likewise in 2018, meaning the Magpies have saluted in the count in five of the last seven seasons.
Boyall wasn’t the only Wallan player or figure to be recognised throughout the night.
Three Wallan players were recognised for their seasons in the football team of the year. Boyall was one of two Magpies named on the bench, alongside Sean Morris, while the dominant Jake Carlisle also earned a berth at centre half back in what was his final season at the club, having signed to be Moama’s co-coach in 2026.
Also named in the team was Romsey’s Jack Jedwab, who had a terrific campaign at centre half forward.
There was more history made in the Scarborough Medal count, with Matt Traynor taking an incredible fourth consecutive best and fairest in the reserves count.
Vice-captain Traynor simply couldn’t be stopped in 2025, named in the best in 13 of his 19 games, while kicking 11 goals.
Traynor’s influence helped Wallan complete an incredible unbeaten season, taking home the premiership two weeks ago.
He won from Riddell’s Sean Duggan and Melton South’s Anthony Hibbert.
Wallan was also a winner in the Dome Security Unsung Hero category, with Jenni Wood taking the award for her incredible work around the club.
Lancefield was also well-represented in the awards categories throughout the night.
Most notably, the club was awarded the Club of the Year for a second year in succession.
It was a year of improvement for the Tigers on the field, with the club winning two games on the football field after going winless in 2024, and avoiding the wooden spoon with a memorable final-round victory over Diggers Rest, while the netballers had a year to remember, moving from the lower rungs on the ladder to a finals appearance in the A grade competition.
The club also performed well in the A grade Ryan Medal count, with Mia Daly finishing as runner-up in the count behind Kyneton’s Tilly Shepherd.
Daly was named as wing attack in the A grade netball team of the year, while Romsey’s Charlize Bellette finished off a dominant year under the ring as the goal shooter of the year, leading the competition for most goals.
Lancefield’s Tarnee Hammond was the runner-up in the B grade best and fairest, as was Romsey’s Ava Binney in the 19 and under count.
In the under 19.5 count, Romsey also had success, with Dylan Kenyon taking the count from Diggers Rest’s William Rousch.
The Redbacks’ defensive nous was also recognised, with Connor Lever finishing runner-up as the best defender in the reserves, while Klem Evans was the winner in the under 19.5 category.
Wallan’s Amanda Su’a was the best defender in the 19 and under netball competition, while reserves’ best on ground medallist Blaide Dickson was awarded the reserves goal kicking title.
Romsey and Lancefield was also well represented in the senior women’s team of the year, with both clubs earning three nominations.
Romsey trio Meg Brundell (back pocket), Madison Lawer (half back flank) and Nicole Steward (wing) were named, as was Tiger trio Alice Bromley (half forward flank), Lilly Bromley (forward pocket) and Abbie Sarginson (interchange).
