North-Central Hockey Ends a Memorable Season
The North-Central Hockey Association celebrated the achievements of its players, umpires and volunteers at its annual presentation evening and vote count at the Sea Lake Community Complex on Sunday, September 13.
The North-Central Hockey Association celebrated the achievements of its players, umpires and volunteers at its annual presentation evening and vote count at the Sea Lake Community Complex on Sunday, September 13.
Guest speaker Phil Frost joined the evening following his gold-medal success with Australia’s Men’s 60+ team at the 2026 Masters Hockey World Cup in Belgium, bringing an international hockey connection to the local celebrations.
In the senior Best and Fairest counts, Calder United’s Sarah Botheras claimed the Women’s award with 65 votes, narrowly ahead of joint runners-up, Elise Fitzpatrick of Charlton and Brylea Knight of St Arnaud on 63. Charlton’s Henry Bourke won the Men’s award with 79 votes, with Boort’s Jake Boyd runner-up on 70.
The Underage Female Best and Fairest went to Charlton’s Rosie Fitzpatrick with 25 votes, while St Arnaud’s Lewis Lowe claimed the Underage Male award with 59 votes.
Calder United’s Riley Beattie was named Junior Goalkeeper of the Year, while Boort’s Greg Boyd and St Arnaud’s Sophie Male received the Men’s and Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year awards.
Alisha Henderson received the Trainee Umpire of the Year award, recognising her enthusiasm and commitment to developing her officiating skills.
Donald’s Victory Davis was named Junior NCHA Champion, while Charlton’s Naomi Fitzpatrick received the Senior NCHA Champion award, acknowledging their outstanding contributions through volunteering, coaching, umpiring and supporting others at their club and in the wider NCHA community.
• From top left: Alishia Henderson (Trainee Umpire of the Year), Elise Fitzpatrick Charlton) and Brylea Knight (St Arnaud) (women’s equal runner-up best and fairest), Greg Boyd (Boort), (men’s Goalkeeper of the Year). Middle: Rosie Fitzpatrick (Charlton) (underage female best and fairest) and Lewis Lowe (St Arnaud) (underage male best and fairest), Naomi Fitzpatrick (Charlton) (senior champion), guest speaker Phil Frost. Bottom row: Victory Davis (Donald, junior champion), Sophie Male (St Arnaud, women's Goalkeeper of the Year), Riley Beattie (Calder United, junior goalkeeper of the year).
The evening set the scene for an exciting finish to the NCHA season, with closely contested grand finals at St Arnaud the following Saturday.
Premiership honours went to Birchip-Watchem (Under-12), St Arnaud (Underage), Charlton (Women) and Calder United (Men), rounding out a memorable season.
