The Roos’ Sophie Hanrahan has equalled the record of four Toni Wilson Medals after being announced dual winner of the Ovens and Murray’s highest individual award for 2025, sharing the honour with fellow defender, North Albury’s Grace Hay.
Corowa Rutherglen’s dynamic goal defender Sophie Hanrahan has once again claimed the Ovens and Murray netball league’s prestigious Toni Wilson Medal, equalling the record high of four Toni Wilson Medals.
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The 27-year-old Roos gun now shares the record with North Albury’s Emily Browne after she polled 24 votes to share the 2025 honour with fellow defender, Hopper Grace Hay as Sophie did not poll in round 18 and Grace polled two votes to level the proceedings.
“I still can’t believe it. It’s an absolute honour. I’m in very good company,” Sophie told The Free Press.
“It doesn’t sound right. I think Em (North Albury coach Emily Browne) deserves the category on her own so I feel very honoured to be named together.
“Also, congrats to Grace. I can’t think of a more deserving person to win it. I’ve been lucky enough to watch Grace’s journey since Under 17s, which makes me feel quite old.
“You can’t do it without a supportive network so I have been lucky with those around me.”
While the Toni Wilson medal is an individual accolade, Sophie is modest. Recognising that it is also the community and club around her that help her to achieve these grand milestones.
“I’m very lucky to have had, and been a part of Corowa, for 10+ years, which has allowed me to get to where I am now,” Sophie said.
“After the experience I’ve had over the last few years with Corowa in a really unique position in coming out or a reset; making sure Corowa is going from strength to strength is what it’s important.
Sophie in action for the Roos this year.
“What’s been really important to me personally is watching our juniors grow. One of the big things that came out of our reset is that the reason Corowa is around is that we can give junior athletes an avenue to play at a higher level.
“We want to be able to provide junior athletes that and if I can do my part, that’s what I want to do.
“Thank you to Corowa, you guys are amazing. And my team, legitimately works hard to make me look good.
“I adore them and I feel lucky that I can take the court with them each week.
“Also Georgie Bruce and Sally Hunter, you know how important you are to me.”
Sophie has also had a big year with her Victorian Netball League commitments again being crowned a VNL champion, as the City West Falcons defeated the Hawks Netball Club in the 2025 championship final.
The Roos defender played all four quarters in the grand final, and has now won three VNL championships since joining the club in 2023.
Her natural ability also awarded her the Championship division’s most valuable player in 2024.
Corowa Rutherglen Football Netball secretary Rowena Black said Sophie’s achievement in securing her fourth Toni Wilson Medal is nothing short of remarkable.
“We are all so proud of Soph’s achievements. She has such a natural athleticism on the court as well as exceptional skill week in and week out,” Rowena said.
“Her dedication, loyalty to the club, and commitment to her teammates makes her such a standout.
“Playing in both the OMFNL and VNL at City West Falcons over the last few years has only propelled her game further.
“She’s an outstanding role model for our players and for the Ovens and Murray league and we are lucky and grateful to have her as part of the Roos community!”
A Grade star shooter Lou Madden was also named A Grade MVP.
In the B Grade, Roos gun shooter Lisa French took out the B Grade best and fairest award with 23 votes, claiming the award for the second time.
French took out the honour by three votes ahead of North Albury’s Alyssa Lieschke with teammate Courtney Haigh finishing equal fourth.
Roos B Grade star shooter Lisa French, took out the B Grade league Best and Fairest.
“I would have had money on Courtney Haigh winning this so shout out to you on a great season.
“Thank you to my team, the A Ressies as we like to call ourselves. We had a really good season and really got around one another.
“Thank you to the Corowa Rutherglen Roos, we’ve had another great year and I just love playing for you guys.”
In the league’s netball team of the year, Corowa Rutherglen had two representatives: GD/ - Sophie Hanrahan and interchange – Lou Madden.
The league’s football team of the year featured Doug Strang Medallist Kaelan Bradtke who was also pleased to take out the highest goal kicking award for season 2025.
In the Reserves Leo Burke award, Joesph Ugle finished equal fourth with 12 votes while Deklan Yates finished third with 13 votes.
