2025 Victorian Sport Award Winners

https://www.ajg.com.au/

This award is for Victorian community coaches who have made a significant contribution to their club and/or association/district during the 2025 calendar year, with a particular focus on improving community sport through encouraging participation, fairness, integrity and making sport more welcoming and inclusive.

Narelle Draper – Netball

The epitome of leadership at Hazel Glen Netball Club, Narelle not only coached five teams during 2025 (U13, U15, two U17 teams and opens) but was the head coach for a school academy program, participated in multiple coaching clinics and served as President. Establishing a culture of community and embracing diversity, Narelle is a constant source of support and guidance for coaches and players, especially for those looking to find a path towards coaching. Narelle also holds a development coach accreditation in the Netball Australia pathway and participated in the national body’s coaching leadership program.

https://leasexpress.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian coaches who have achieved outstanding coaching performances with Victorian athletes and/or teams during the 2025 calendar year.

Jessica Haintz – Gymnastics

As head coach of the Victorian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics State Team, Jessica led Victoria to win the Cheales-Williamson Shield at the Australian Gymnastics Championships as the highest performing state. Her athletes won gold and silver in the All-Around competition of the Developing International category while Victoria secured team gold in three high-performance divisions. Internationally, Jessica represented Australia at the DTB Pokal Team Challenge Cup in Germany, was selected as the Australian coach for the 3rd FIG Junior World Championships and was appointed as an Australian judge for the Senior Team competing at the 2025 Continental Championships, strengthening alignment between coaching and judging standards.

https://etrainu.com/

This award recognises Victorian sporting officials who have made a significant contribution to their club, and/or association/district in 2025 with a particular focus on improving community sport through fairness, integrity and making sport more welcoming and inclusive.

Lynette Cousins – Calisthenics

Lynette serves as Chair of the Calisthenics Victoria Adjudicating Committee where she convenes and leads regular meetings to ensure clear communication and collaboration between adjudicators and the state body. She was instrumental in developing a new Victorian adjudication program and is actively involved in teaching and mentoring cadets while officiating herself across all areas of calisthenics from tots to masters in both solos and teams. Lynette has also led the further development of education and upskilling initiatives that equip adjudicators to officiate fairly and confidently across all programs, including Calistars which supports performers with disability. 

https://www.sportsaccounting.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian officials who have demonstrated excellence in their role as an official of their chosen sport during the 2025 year.

Maria Patrikis – Football

While officiating at one of the highest levels of futsal in Australia at the National Futsal Championships representing Football Australia and regular appointments in the Victorian Series Futsal Premiership, Maria’s contribution to the officiating community extends beyond just match appointments. She actively supports emerging officials through personal guidance and in November, was selected into the inaugural AFC Futsal Referee Academy to undertake advanced international training under world-class instructors. Her excellence throughout the year directly led to her historic appointment to the FIFA Futsal Referee List for 2026, becoming the first female Australian to achieve this milestone.

This award recognises a Victorian junior team who has achieved outstanding results with respect to their performances at a national, international level during the 2025 year.

Henri and Miles Levenspiel – Sailing

Only 16, Henri and Miles consistently performed at the highest level against the nation’s leading 29er sailors in 2025. They claimed 1st Junior at the Australian 9er National Championships, securing selection to the Australian Sailing Youth Squad and represented Australia at the 29er World Championships in Portugal. They were crowned Victorian 29er State Champions and Victorian Youth Champions, won Sail Melbourne, and finished 2nd at the NSW Youth Championships- a Youth Worlds selection event. Henri and Miles consistently performed at the highest level against the nation’s leading 29er sailors.

https://www.sportsentertainmentnetwork.com.au/

This award recognises a Victorian team who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at a state, national and/or international level during the 2025 year.

North Melbourne Football Club – AFL Women’s

Smashing AFL records, North Melbourne’s AFLW team delivered an historic 2025 season by finishing the home and away season undefeated (12–0) before going on to win the Premiership. This was their second straight title and extended their record winning streak to 27 games, the longest in elite Australian football history across both men's and women's competitions. Leading the league in almost every possible key performance metric, the Kangaroos also produced the league Best and Fairest winner, multiple All-Australians including that team’s captain, the players association’s MVP and best captain award and the coaches association’s MVP.

https://www.mysportlive.tv/

This award recognises an outstanding community sporting event that has been delivered successfully and benefitted the local community in 2025.

2025 Victorian Country Long Course Championships – Mildura Swimming Club

Hosted at Mildura Waves, the 2025 Victorian Country Long Course Swimming Championships brought together 800 swimmers and more than 3,000 visitors for three days of high‑level regional competition across 108 races. In extreme heat, organisers delivered extensive cooling measures and attendees praised the focus on safety and inclusion in the post-championships survey as, for the first time, equal event opportunities were provided for swimmers with disability. Creating a lasting connection with the region, the economic impact saw at least $2 million injected into the Mildura community over three days of competition.

https://lovethegame.vic.gov.au/

This award recognises the outstanding contribution made in 2025 by a community sporting club that has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting participation in sport and active recreation.

Footscray Rugby Union Club – Rugby Union

With a core concept of Aiga (Family), Footscray Rugby Union Club (FRUC) welcome everyone through events such as their annual "Island Night" that recognises their predominantly Pacifika heritage and work with organisations including Drummond Street, The Zone and Les Twentyman assists at-risk youth through sport. One of the fastest growing rugby clubs in Australia, they experienced a 23.4% bump in 2025. FRUC now field teams for men and women through every grade of competition and they won all three minor premierships in the senior competition. To increase safety protocols, the club has partnered with Victoria University Sports Science Faculty to ensure proper training and rehabilitation methods are followed. 

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian sports administrators who have demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement during the 2025 calendar year at the SSA, RSA, LGA or NSO (Victorian based) level. The recipient’s contribution has provided benefit to, or had a positive impact upon, an individual sport or the industry as a whole, and their standards of excellence has distinguished them from peers.

Ben Seccull – Hockey 

As General Manager - Events & Commercial at Hockey Victoria, Ben oversaw a wide range of projects to ensure his sport is more accessible, enjoyable and rewarding for all Victorians. These included the 2025 Stand Out Cup (46 teams playing in a vibrant LGBTIQ+ celebration event), the Women & Girls Breakfast, Junior Country Championships with 50 teams competing, Senior Country Championships in Bendigo, Junior State Championships with 1200 participants and the Hockey Victoria Awards Night, which welcomed a record 420 attendees. Ben delivered Hockey Club Melbourne’s home matches, which had League high attendance and fantastic fan engagement opportunities for kids. He also delivered the national Hockey One League finals in Victoria, with the top four men’s and women’s teams competing in a two-day finals series.

https://trade.bunnings.com.au/

This award recognises a Local Government Authority that has made a significant contribution to sport in 2025 through the development of a participation program or facility.

Shepparton BMX Multi Use Events Facility – Greater Shepparton City Council

Following the 2022 Victorian floods and cancellation of the 2026 Commonwealth Games, Greater Shepparton City Council secured funding for a new two-storey multi-use events pavilion, elevated above flood levels and featuring all-gender amenities, change rooms, canteen, storage, meeting spaces, kitchen, bar and undercover viewing. The broader project included upgraded track surface and start hill improvements which has seen immediate participation growth for BMX with the 2025 National Series recording the largest single day of BMX participation in Australia. The upgrades have also enabled them to host the 2026 BMX National Championships which were predicted to generate $6M for the local economy.

This award recognises the exceptional contribution made by a volunteer to the Victorian sport and active recreation community during the 2025 calendar year. The recipient's contribution will have provided benefit to, or had a positive impact upon, an individual sport or the industry and their contribution and commitment will have distinguished them from their peers.

Reg Poxon – Swimming

As President of Moe Amateur Swimming Club, Reg oversaw the implementation of their strategic plan which has resulted in a thriving club where swimmers of all ages and abilities feel supported and motivated. His project management expertise ensured the successful delivery of the club’s annual swim meet, fundraising events and development days. Reg also has strong connections with local businesses resulting in sustainable sponsorships for the club and he played a pivotal advocacy role to bring in a $2.5m federal funding commitment to heat the outdoor 50-metre pool which will help provide all-year access for the community.

https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/

This award recognises the work of individuals, clubs, teams, groups or organisations who have succeeded in enabling more people to participate in active recreation during the 2025 calendar year.

Mornington LSC Schools Program – Mornington Life Saving Club

For primary and secondary school students, the Mornington Life Saving Club Schools Program is devised to enable more children to safely participate in beach, water-based and physical activities. This is done through practical activities such as basic first aid and CPR, lifesaving skills and modified aquatic experiences. The flexible program, delivered by trained instructors and water safety personnel, included support for deaf participants, subsidised sessions for financially disadvantaged participants, the use of a mobi-chair and adapted sessions for students from CALD communities which helped to garner engagement from 3,860 students across 24 schools.

https://involvegroup.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian Masters athletes or teams who have achieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at a national and/or international level during the 2025 year.

Lisa Griffiths – Judo

Hailing from Hawthorn Judo Club, Lisa returned to the sport after a 34-year break and found instant success when she won gold at the World Masters Games in May which are held every four years with this iteration being hosted by Taiwan. She followed that up in Paris with a bronze at the World Veterans Judo Championships but may rue what could have been as she had to medically retire due to a dislocated elbow. 

winningedgepresentations.com.au

This award recognises Victorian junior athletes who have achieved outstanding results in respect to performance/s at a national and/or international level during the 2025 year.

Jack Howell – Paratriathlon

Coming off a year in which he competed at his first Paralympics, Jack was the winner at two 2025 World Triathlon Para Series events in Devonport and Italy. He also won silver at the World Series in Japan by just 1 second in a sprint finish. He crushed the competition in his home country, bringing home the gold three minutes quicker than his nearest rival. He then stood on the podium again at the World Championships in Wollongong where he finished runner-up to the Paris Paralympic gold medallist by only 28 seconds. Those results placed him number one in the world in Paratriathlon PTS5 by the end of the year.

This award recognises the coverage of elite and community sport to the wider public via various online, digital, broadcast and/or print media platforms in 2025.

Marnie Vinall – ABC

One of the most viral stories of 2025 was Marnie’s expose on the group of women from the Kyneton Football Netball Club who split from the organisation following claims of inequitable treatment, a ‘volatile environment’ and ongoing disrespect. Marnie followed the story throughout the year and the amplification helped take the issue to Parliament House while several MPs weighed in and other publications picked up on it. The reporting gave way to other women across Victoria telling similar stories, uncovering common issues amongst women's players including inequitable allocation of resources and access to grounds and facilities.

https://polytan.com.au/

The Peter Norman Inclusion Award recognises an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to safe, fair and inclusive sport in the 2025 calendar year. The recipient has demonstrated actions that break down barriers for people accessing sport so that anyone, regardless of their age, cultural background, ability, gender identity, religious belief or sexual orientation feels welcome in sport.

Frankston Softball Association – Softball

Embedding inclusive practices into both its internal operations and community-facing programs, Frankston Softball Association partnered with Doable Australia in 2025 to create meaningful volunteer canteen opportunities for people with disability. Much more than a symbolic role, the association ensured participants were genuinely empowered and supported by running risk assessments, mock practice sessions and introducing an accessible touch-based register system. Their inclusive practices extended beyond the program as participants were invited to club events, listed as Canteen Managers on the club website and embraced by other volunteers, players and committee members. This strengthened community connections as a whole with nearby associations reaching out to learn from the model and explore similar partnerships.

This award recognises a Victorian individual athlete who has achieved outstanding results in respect to performance/s at a national/international level in the male category during the 2025 year.

Dyson Daniels – Basketball

Only the second Australian to make an NBA All-Defensive First team, Dyson created more history during the 2024-25 season as he led the league with 202 steals at an average of 3.1 per game. Representing the Atlanta Hawks, he became the youngest player in NBA history to record 200+ steals in a single season while his stats compared to the previous season jumped from 5.8 points to 14.1 per game, 1.4 steals to 3.1 per game, 3.9 rebounds to 5.9 per game and 2.7 assists to 4.4 per game. Those achievements helped him earn the NBA Most Improved Player Award as well – another first for an Australian.

This award recognises a Victorian individual athlete who has achieved outstanding results in respect to performance/s at a national/international level in the female category during the 2025 year.

Tara Neyland – Para-Cycling

In her first year as a classified para-athlete after being diagnosed in 2023 with a progressive neuromuscular condition that causes muscle weakness and loss, Tara excelled at a National and International level. At the Road National Championships in Perth, she won gold in the Road Race and Individual Time Trial. At the Track National Championships in Brisbane, she won gold in the Scratch Race and 1000m Time Trial, setting a new Australian Record. Debuting internationally at the ParaCycling World Championships in Belgium, she took home two titles in the RR and ITT. She then went on to clinch 3 more World Championships on the track in Rio, in the 1km TT, Scratch and Elimination races, alongside setting a new World Record in the C4 1000m Time Trial.

The Victorian Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award is presented to an individual or organisation in recognition of lifetime outstanding achievement in, or contribution to, sport in Victoria. 

It is the only award presented at the Victorian Sport Awards which is not decided upon by the judging panel.

Sharelle McMahon

One of Australia’s most successful, durable and ruthless netballers, Sharelle McMahon won two World Championships, two Commonwealth Games gold medals and six Australian netball Championships across a 16-year playing career. 

Playing as goal attack or goal shooter, Sharelle etched her name into netball folklore at the 1999 World Championships, hitting the game-winning shot on the siren in the final against New Zealand to secure Australia’s third consecutive title. 

She was the heroine again at the 2002 Manchester Commonwealth Games, sinking the game winner in sudden death to once again beat New Zealand and claim gold. At the 2010 Commonwealth Games, Sharelle created history as Australia’s first team player to be named flag-bearer for the Opening Ceremony. 

Overall, her international career included two World Championship gold medals and one silver as well as two gold and two silver Commonwealth Games medals. She captained the team on twelve occasions, scored 2,520 goals and finished as the second most-capped Australian player with 118 games. 

Sharelle’s domestic career started in similar fashion to her international career, winning a Premiership with the Melbourne Phoenix in her debut season. Between 1997-2007, she captained the Phoenix for four seasons, helped them win five Premierships and also claimed four MVP Awards. In 2007, Sharelle was named the Melbourne Vixens’ inaugural captain. She led them to the Championship in 2009 and won the Grand Final MVP while also winning back-to-back club MVP’s in 2009 and 2010, an award which is now named in her honour. 

Her achievements have not ended after retirement, becoming the first netballer and just the third female athlete in Melbourne to be immortalised in bronze when her statue was unveiled in 2023 at John Cain Arena.