South Warrnambool brothers Archie and George Stevens and Terang Mortlake sisters Jaime and Tasha Killen win Hampden junior best and fairests

South Warrnambool brothers Archie and George Stevens won the under 16 and under 14 football best and fairest awards respectively.

Terang Mortlake sisters Jaime and Tasha Killen were crowned the competition’s finest 16 and under and 14 and under netballers.

Archie polled 27 votes to win the under 16 award from North Warrnambool Eagles’ Jett Bermingham (24).

George collected 24 votes in the under 14 count, edging out South Warrnambool teammate Flynn Wilkinson (21).

Archie, who won the under 14 award 12 months ago, said it was a proud moment for his family.

“I am sure it means a lot but I am sure what matters to them is what kind of people we are and how we conduct ourselves,” he said.

George said the brothers had a close bond.

“We get along really well to be honest and we’ll try and go down to South (footy ground) as much as we can and have a kick,” he said.

“It’s good I have Archie by my side, older brother helping me out.”

Both boys play in the Roosters’ midfields in their respective grades.

“He gets so much of the ball and is really vital to the boys’ season making the prelim which was a really good effort considering a few of the blokes who could have played went up to 18s,” George said of Archie.

Archie said George was a “bigger-bodied midfielder with a penetrating kick”.

“He’s good to watch when he’s kicking them from a long way out,” he said.

Archie – the smaller of the two despite being two years older – said they enjoyed their backyard clashes.

“We have little advantages over each other but they’re good battles and good fun,” he said.

George joked “I have probably got him covered”.

The Killen sisters both polled strongly.

Jaime collected 25 votes in the 16 and under competition, winning from North Warrnambool Eagles’ Danielle Warren and Warrnambool duo Alice Kelly and Gabrielle Beames who were equal second on 18. 

Tasha finished with 30 votes to win from Koroit’s Eliza Lane on 22.

The siblings, who go to Mortlake College, joined Terang Mortlake from Mininera and District league club Woorndoo-Mortlake in 2018.

Jaime said it was “pretty unbelievable but pretty special” to win on the same night as her sister.

They had played a lot of netball in the same grade together over the years.

“We played for about four years together and this year was a bit different because we’re in different teams,” Tasha said.

“But I had a run in the 16s with her in the last few games, so that was good to play with her again.”

Tasha said Jaime was “quick and fast and gets to all the places you need her to be at”.

Jaime said her younger sister’s best trait was her “spatial awareness in the ring”.

“She creates a lot of space and knows where to go,” she said.

Port Fairy’s Ava Pierce, who played open grade throughout the season, won a high-scoring 15 and under vote count.

She collected 32 votes to edge out North Warrnambool Eagles’ Tahni Porter (30).

“It means a lot to me, it’s awesome to win these things but hopefully we can get up there in the granny,” Ava said.

“It was really surprising. There’s a lot of good girls out there and I reckon it’s awesome to get up there (in the votes).”

Best friends Mary Place and Ruby Conheady shared the 13 and under award after both polling 28 votes.

The Camperdown teammates have known each other since they were babies – their mothers Liz Place and Cheryle Conheady are also best mates.

The Mercy Regional College students said they were thrilled to share the award.

They play together in the Magpies’ goal circle.

“I wish Ruby could have got this award so getting it together is even better,” Mary said.

“We’re only 10 days (in age) apart and our mums are best friends so we’ve always been together.”

Hamilton Kangaroos’ Madaline Phillips was next in line with 23.