Heathcote to crown season’s best

HEATHCOTE will crown the fairest and best of this season’s Bendigo Bank Heathcote DFNL footy and netball season on September 20.

The Saints’ function kicks off in the Pigeon Park social rooms in Barrack Reserve at 7pm. Awards night for the juniors will be on September 21 from 6.30pm at Pigeon Park.

In senior footy, gun ruckman James Orr is likely to be the player to catch for the Saints’ top award.

Recruited to the Saints after starring at Kyneton for several seasons, Orr was outstanding in the red, white and black.

The athletic ruckman featured in the club’s best in 15 matches and was named as the team’s best on ground in six contests.

Last season’s club champion, Corey Grindlay is another player tipped to poll highly.

Although he spent a lot more time playing in an on-ball or midfield role as the season went on, Grindlay led the Saints’ attack on 54 goals.

In defence, Bill Direen was also one of Heathcote’s most consistent players.

Others who may capture their fair share of votes include Rhys Bolton, Connor Hamilton, Mitch McLean and Daniel Johnstone.

Injuries meant three of Heathcote’s most dynamic players in Liam Jacques, Braden Padmore and Zak Saad missed big chunks of the season.

The Andrew Saladino-coached Saints won the elimination final against Colbinabbin by eight points later.

A week later and Heathcote faced Leitchville Gunbower in the first semi-final at White Hills.

The Saints were down 48-50 when play was abandoned at the 13th minute of the third quarter because of lightning and the ground condition following a severe thunderstorm.

It was not the way any involved with Heathcote FNC would have expected the season to end.

On the netball court, A-grade centre and co-coach Brooke Bolton is favourite to claim the club title after a third Esther Cheatley Medal as league fairest and best.

A great run to an elimination final was led by Jen Van Neutegem, Isobel Caughey, Jess Peck, Georgia Bolton and Sophie Pica.

Young gun Daniel Butler capped a great season by earning the David Roulston Medal as under-18s league champion.