Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards: Diverse range of finalists announced ahead of next week’s ceremony

A diverse range of finalists has been revealed for the Geraldton Guardian Mid West Sports Awards, with winners to be announced next week. Another big year of sport in the Mid West has culminated in some of the region’s best sporting talent and contributors being nominated and recognised for their efforts on and off the field. Across 10 categories, 82 nominations were received for this year’s awards. The crowning award of the night, senior sports star of the year, has 11 individuals in contention for the award. Johny Narkle comes at no surprise as his late season stretch with the Buccaneers shot him to national stardom, while Flynn Dillon and Kim Schofield will be unlikely to share this award like they did the JJ Clune medal. The junior sports star award has 14 nominees, including last year’s winner Nevaeh Hill, who is facing tough competition with this year’s crop, such as fellow athletics gun Ella Batten and emerging taekwondo star Khyan Townsend. The Mid West Academy of Sports athlete of the year is the biggest category, with 24 nominees. Coach of the year has six contenders, including Dayle Joseph who led the Buccaneers to this year’s NBL1 West championship and Paul Valenti, who works year round in softball and hockey. The team of the year category is looking to be a competitive one with many deserving sides up for selection. Northampton Rams ended their 19-year flag drought in the GNFL, the Cardinals women’s hockey side won their eighth straight premiership, while the Geraldton Buccaneers went undefeated at home and secured the championship. Judges will have a hard time picking each category winner ahead of the awards night next Friday, November 17 at the Geraldton Yacht Club. Tickets can be bought at https://mtr.cool/rtlasnaxfm. GERALDTON GUARDIAN MID WEST SPORTS AWARDS 2023 FINALISTS JUNIOR SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR Allen Griechen (netball), Bob Griechen (basketball), Christi Bestry (athletics), Cody Nelson (touch football), Edel Rodden (surfing), Ella Batten (athletics), Eric Kyanga (boxing), Finn Preston (soccer), Khyan Townsend (taekwondo), Kian Smit (basketball, cricket, hockey & soccer), Leah-May Labuschagne (hockey), Millie Gerreyn (basketball), Nevaeh Hill (athletics), Serenity Bate (soccer). SENIOR SPORTS STAR OF THE YEAR Braiden Page (soccer), Caroline Ashby (cycling), Clayton Bruce-Cherry (cricket), Deborah Bone (netball), Dirranie Kirby (hockey), Ebony Wheatland (soccer), Flynn Dillon (football), Gemma Dix (football), Johny Narkle (basketball), Jy Thurstun (softball), Kim Schofield (football). ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR Emma Streich (Chapman Athletic Soccer Club), Jenny Grosse (Geraldton Athletics Centre), Lauren Norris (Geraldton Touch Association), Paul Steenson (Geraldton Clay Target Association). ATLAS INCLUSION AWARD Sportsmans Cricket Club CLUB OF THE YEAR Geraldton Board Riders, Geraldton Touch Association, Rovers Football Club, Rovers Cardinals Hockey Club, Spokes Cycle Club. COACH OF THE YEAR Dayle Joseph (basketball), Gary Clark (athletics), Grady Tomelty (football), Jane Marriott (polocrosse), Paul Valenti (softball & hockey), Ray Pead (water polo). OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR Chris Collins (cricket), Grace Bowley (netball), Mandy Lalor (basketball), Noah Bennett (football), Tanya Burges (netball). SPORTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR Jake Peacock (boxing), Joanne Starling (football), Lauren Norris (touch football), Roger Swan (cycling), Ross Newman (equestrian). TEAM OF THE YEAR Cardinals Women’s A Grade Hockey, Chapman Athletic Women’s Soccer League, Fenix Geraldton Buccaneers, Geraldton Water Polo Country Champs, GNFL Colts Country Championships, Northampton Rams League, Towns Cricket Club. MWAS ATHLETE OF THE YEAR Alyssa Piper (hockey), Bob Griechen (basketball), Christi Bestry (athletics), Cody Nelson (touch football), Edel Rodden (surfing), Ella Batten (athletics), Ghaeddia Rihari (touch football), Holly Baynes (basketball), Jake Criddle (basketball), Jasmine Johansen (football), Jy Thurstun (softball), Kailani Grant (surfing), Kate McKenzie (surfing), Kealee Poland (basketball), Khyan Townsend (taekwondo), Max De San Miguel (basketball), Millie Gerreyn (basketball), Nevaeh Hill (athletics), Nicole Chamberlain (athletics), Riley Heinrich (athletics), Samaia Friesen (athletics), Saskia Newman (surfing), Sophie Batten (athletics), Tayah Palmer (football).