What a year it has been for the Echuca-Moama Border Raiders — and it got even better at the Football Victoria Bendigo presentations.

Both senior sides were handed their championship trophies to crown a historic 2026.

But such success obviously had key individuals at the heart of it.

And they were honoured too.

On the men’s side, star striker Sammy Wanesiofa scored the joint best-and-fairest medal for the league — 15 votes accumulated.

Sammy’s searing speed struck fear into opposing defences all year, leading to 10 goals in 15 games.

Argentinian attacker Gaston Dassis also polled well — his eight votes leading to third place in the medal race.

Which was a particularly impressive effort, given he only joined mid-season.

To the women, where the Raiders’ raid continued as Jess Hicks took out the league best-and-fairest.

She did so with a whopping 24 votes, being the lone winner.

Hicks was also the league’s top scorer.

So she went home with three medals.

One of Hicks’ two leaders this year, playing co-coach Paige Pinson, also had something to shout about on the night.

The experienced figurehead joined Hicks in the top five for the best-and-fairest (polling 17 votes).

So in summary, two titles and dual, deserving individual winners backed up by tremendous teammates.

A great night decorated a great year.

Riverine Herald Google News Panels

Monday, 17th September 2029