Heading into Wednesday night’s Goulburn Valley League Wellman Family Medal count there is one question on every pundit’s lips.
Can Shepparton United goaler Jessie Barnes make it three straight?
The Demons’ goal-scoring machine has once again been central to her team’s success this season and enters the night as a heavy favourite once again.
But she is certainly no shoo-in, with a number of contenders desperate to take the crown as the competition’s top player.
Fresh from leading Seymour to a grand final in her first season as playing coach, sharpshooter Ellie O’Sullivan appears set to feature prominently in the count after a consistent campaign.
While teammates Courtney Aldous, Jess Lallo and Casey Adamson should also poll strongly, with the Lions dropping three games during the course of the season.
Two-time winner Stephanie Vick is always a strong contender on Wellman night, with the Echuca midcourter enjoying yet another outstanding season that will without doubt have her in contention.
At Mooroopna, veteran Bree Hanslow presents as the most likely to give the count a real shake, while skipper Madison Wong should also catch the umpires’ attention after being pivotal to the Cats’ run to the preliminary final.
But could the winner come from a side in the lower rungs of the ladder?
Leading the way for Kyabram, midcourter Hollie Reid should poll strongly, having stood out on a number of occasions throughout the season.
Tatura young gun Elsie Boyer is also one to watch on the night, with her exploits in the midcourt for the Bulldogs a shining light in an otherwise disappointing year.
While Rochester’s Bridgette Holt was impressive in holding down the fort for the Tigers and should poll consistent votes along with teammate Teal Hocking.
Shepparton News Wellman Family Medal predictions
Aydin Payne (Sports Editor)
1. Stephanie Vick (Echuca)
2. Ellie O’Sullivan (Seymour)
3. Teal Hocking (Rochester)
Roughie: Sophie Atkinson
Tyler Maher (News Editor)
1. Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)
2. Stephanie Vick (Echuca)
3. Bree Hanslow (Mooroopna)
Roughie: Nakita Singe (Seymour)
Zac Standish (Sports Reporter)
1. Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)
2. Ellie O’Sullivan (Seymour)
3. Madison Wong (Mooroopna)
Roughie: Courtney Aldous (Seymour)
Daniel Webb (Sports Reporter)
1. Ellie O’Sullivan (Seymour)
2. Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)
3. Stephanie Vick (Echuca)
Roughie: Bree Hanslow (Mooroopna)
James Kleeman (Sports Reporter)
1. Jess Lallo (Seymour)
2. Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)
3. Belinda Lees (Echuca)
Roughie: Kara Blizzard (Shepparton United)
Ron Anderson (Sports Sub-Editor)
1. Elsie Boyer (Tatura)
2. Jessie Barnes (Shepparton United)
3. Courtney Aldous (Seymour)
Roughie: Hannah Onley (Mooroopna)