Local finalists announced in Victorian Sport Awards

THE 2024 Victorian Sport Awards have announced this year’s finalists, including four locals from Geelong and Barwon Heads’ Jakara Anthony.

The annual awards recognise and celebrate achievements of sporting heroes at a grassroots and high-performance level across 18 different categories.

Geelong’s Gerard Murphy was named a finalist in the Leasexpress Coach of the Year, for his commitment to netball in the Victorian men’s and mix program and the Geelong Netball Club.

Mr Murphy said being nominated was a very humbling experience.

“It’s nice recognition for some of the work I’ve been doing, it’s all volunteering, the Vic men’s mix program, so it is a lot with seven teams running..

“I do it because I really enjoy doing it and it’s a great way to give back to the community and be involved.

“I think more people should get involved in the community and be involved in making friends and working together, encountering challenges and beating them.

“That’s a lot of the drive for me being involved and trying to help the players be their best and be the best humans.”

Also in Geelong, Tahlia Denham is in the running for rebel Young Athete of the year, while sailing teammates Joshua Garner and Jack Benyan aim for the SportsReady Young Team of the Year.

Olympic mogul skier Anthony is aiming for a three-peat in the Kitty McEwan Award.

This year’s awards received a record number of nominations with 330 people put forward for consideration including individuals, team athletes, coaches, volunteers, media personnel and more.

Finalists were selected by 45 people from the Victorian Sport and recreation industry who were invited to be part of this year’s judging panels.

“It is a wonderful achievement and a credit to the Victorian sporting industry that the nominations records were shattered this year,” Vicsport chair Jason Hellwig said.

“Combined with the calibre of the nominations, these Awards are a true showcase of the successes throughout the Victorian sport and active recreation community.

The awards will be presented by the state government and Vicsport on May 14 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

For more information and the full list of finalists, head to vicsport.com.au