Oliver Lees
The Essendon District Football League has wrapped up with the presentation of its end of year awards.
Young gun Terira Fry was named the women’s rising star for her strong season with the Sunbury Lions.
The 19-year-old also finished second (19 votes) behind Strathmore’s Clara Toperosa (22 votes) in the division 1 best and fairest.
Gisborne midfielder Claire Bourdon finished in third with 17 votes.
Despite being named in the team of the year at half back, Fry slotted 22 goals for the season as she found more game time up the ground.
She was mentioned eight times in the Lions’ best players and received seven votes in division 2 before the club moved up a grade halfway through the season.
Fry said the award had taken her by surprise.
“It’s very nice to be recognised, especially with the season we’ve had,” she said.
“It’s definitely been filled with a lot of challenges, but it’s a credit to everyone in the EDFL and to our team to be able to accommodate given the circumstances.
“It’s been a very different season for me, I enjoy being in the back line and laying tackles. But I’ve been playing more in the midfield and up the forward line at a local level.
“Goal kicking is not my strong point so it felt nice to step up. It’s also a credit to my team for giving me such good delivery.”
Fry said she was looking forward to playing a full season with the Lions.
“The club has treated me so well and I’m really enjoying my time here,” she said.
Fry was joined in the team of the year by teammates Alisa Magri (forward pocket) and Emily Brady (ruck).
Gisborne landed three players in the team of the year.
Brianna Woodurn (full back), Natalie Dowdy (half forward) and Claire Bourdon (centre) who also received captains honours.
Bulldogs coach Jason Peak was named as the team’s coach.
In division 2 the Kangaroos’ Elisha Green and midfielder Harmoni Chivelli were named in the team of the year.
In other results, Kangaroos backman Daniel Gregory was named in the division 1 team of the year.
In division 2 East Sunbury’s Kamen Ogilvie finished runner-up in the league best and fairest with 13 votes behind Moonee Valley star Bevan Newell.
Ogilvie (ruck rover) joined teammates Cooper McPharlane (half forward) and Lucas Shaw (half back) in the division 2 team of the year.
