IN THE past 12 months, Todd Murphy and Brodie Kemp have starred in their respective sports, cricket and football.
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And on Monday night, their achievements were recognised as they were named dual winners of the 2019 Sportstar senior award.
Murphy was initially nominated for the award in July after playing for an Australian under 19 side in tour matches against New Zealand.
And from there his case to win the award only grew stronger, including a trip to India alongside several Australian internationals before leading Victoria Country at the under 19 national championships.
While, a debut for Victoria’s second XI was just another major stepping stone fledgling career.
“It’s a very special feeling (to win the award) especially when there are a lot of good people around you to celebrate your achievements with,” he said.
“A lot of people in the room have done a lot of good things for sport in Echuca-Moama and it is great to see them recognised.
“The award is something I’ll always hold in high regard.”
Arguably Murphy’s biggest achievement came when he was selected in Australia’s under 19 World Cup squad.
In South Africa, Murphy performed admirably taking four wickets.
But the highlight came in a pool game against England, where the Moama Cricket Club product played a starring role to help Australia to an unlikely win.
“That game was definitely some of the most fun I’ve had on a cricket field,” Murphy said.
“It was definitely my goal (to reach the World Cup) for the past 12 months and to get over there was a dream come true.
“To be able to play the sport I love on the world stage is definitely an experience that I will never forget.
“The experiences I’ve had in the past month are definitely something I will cherish for the rest of my life.”
While Murphy was happy to celebrate the award, he has already quickly turned his attention to the next step in his career.
“I’ll finish the year off with St Kilda after playing in a Victorian second XI game next week and hopefully I can put together a couple of strong performances,” he said.
“And the goal is to build on my game during the winter and carry that form into next season.”
Like Murphy, Brodie Kemp is always looking forward.
The 18-year-old is expected to spend the entire 2020 season on the sidelines at Carlton, following a serious knee injury he suffered while playing for Geelong Grammar last year.
Despite the setback, it didn’t stop the Blues from selecting Kemp with the 17th pick in the national draft.
His selection came after a dominant year which included All-Australian selection following the under 18 national carnival with Victoria Country.
While Kemp was unable to attend the awards evening, he was quick to recognise the other winners and nominees in a pre-recorded message.
“I’m very humbled to win this award alongside my fellow winner (Todd Murphy),” he said.
“To think my name is up there with some of the previous winners is very exciting because those are some of the biggest names in Echuca-Moama.
“There has been a lot of people who have helped me get to where I am and achieve what I have so far in my career.”
And despite now being an AFL footballer, Kemp is not going to forget where he first developed the skills of the game.
“It’s very hard to name individuals but Echuca Football Club played a massive role in the growth of my game,” he said.
“Thanks to Mum (Kathleen) and Dad (Grant) for everything you’ve done because it has helped me to get live out my dream.
“And thanks to the sponsors, the Riverine Herald, Echuca Travel Centre and Moama Bowling Club.”
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