Albury City’s Bridget McDiarmid was a comprehensive winner of the AWFA senior women’s Star Player on Wednesday night.
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The classy midfielder finished the count with 32 votes, 10 clear of her nearest rival Christina Mancuso, of Wangaratta, on 22.
Wangaratta striker Bianca Mulqueen finished third with 15 votes, while her teammate Leanne Branson and St Pats’ duo Claire Mahoney and Rachael White were all tied on 14 votes.
Albury United young guns Lisa Cary and Zarlie Goldsworthy managed nine votes apiece, with Albury City’s Montanna Mathews and St Pats’ Raquel Vogel rounding out the top-10 with eight each.
McDiarmid wound up two shy of last year’s winning tally (34 votes), but was just as impressive throughout another unbeaten league season for the competition powerhouses.
“It’s a really good feeling,” McDiarmid said.
“It’s always nice to have a personal achievement, I’m quite proud.
“I think I had a better season this year, working on my fitness definitely paid off.
“I’m lucky to be part of another successful year with a very good team.”
McDiarmid is now looking forward to taking on Wangaratta in the senior women’s cup final on Sunday.
In an association first, the game will be played at 12.50pm, immediately before the senior men’s decider which kicks-off at 3pm.
“I’m a bit nervous, but if we work hard and bring our A-game, I think we can come out on top,” McDiarmid said.
“We’ve got to be physical as well because Wang are very physical and skilful.
“We don’t want to be known as the team that can’t go all the way.
“It’s easy to say that (a loss wouldn’t define our season), but I think it would just top off an amazing year.
“It wouldn’t be the same if we didn’t win I don’t think.”
Mulqueen won the senior women’s leading goalscorer with 29 for the campaign, ahead of Albury United’s Alicia Torcaso, who was last year’s winner, on 17, while Greens’ teammate Molly Goldsworthy scored 15.
Melrose’s Rachael Reitano came away with the Star Goalkeeper on 35 votes, edging out St Pats’ Natasha Anderson on 31 and Wangaratta’s Jacinta Findlay on 30.
Wodonga Diamonds’ Bridie Kennedy also impressed this season with 24, while Albury City’s Nikita Davidson (15 votes) and Albury United’s Jarlisa Quinlivan (14 votes) were next in line.
The Franco Bertazzo Junior Player of the Year was shared by Albury United’s Sam O’Brien and Albury City’s Kai Wilson.
A new award was also introduced for the Volunteer of the Year and was taken home by Albury United’s Chelsea Stelling.
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