Sport

Phillips, Kerlin score HDFNL top gongs

By Matthew Kappos

Sep 2, 2025

Tyler Phillips won his third Sam Cheatley Medal at the league vote count. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Lockington-Bamawm United brought home a haul of accolades from the Heathcote District Football Netball League awards night.

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Held on Wednesday, the league recognised its best of the best across the 2025 season.

The league’s highest football honour surprisingly went to a player whose side didn’t make finals, the Cats’ Tyler Phillips claiming his record-tying third Sam Cheatley Medal on the night.

Phillips polled 24 votes to beat out last year’s winner, Leitchville-Gunbower’s Jobee Warde, to claim the award.

Colbinabbin’s Ella Kerlin earned her first Esther Cheatley Medal. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The Esther Cheatley Medal for A-grade best-and-fairest went to Colbinabbin’s Ella Kerlin.

Kerlin’s contributions as a goaler are a big reason her Grasshoppers’ side is undefeated in 2025 and a hot flag favourite, boasting a percentage in the 240s.

LBU picked up three further best-and-fairest wins in the netball grades.

Jessie Hardess polled 29 votes to claim the B-grade honour.

The dominance of the Cats’ 15 and 13-and-under sides was also rewarded, with Taya Tablyn dominating the voting in the 15s, while Michala Keele was recognised in the 13s.

Mt Pleasant’s Tarli Nihill picked up the award in 17-and-under.