Rochester's best-and-fairest count went virtual this year, with outgoing star Logan Austin named club champion.Joining the club before the start of the season, the former St Kilda and Port Adelaide utility took out the top gong with 156 votes ahead of Jordan Harper on 126.The experienced Austin was at home at either end of the ground as Rochester climbed to a fifth-placed finish in the Goulburn Valley League.He earned plaudits down back as a key defender at the start of the year but caused headaches for GVL backlines as a forward option, booting 17 goals in 10 games. He was named in the side's best on seven occasions.In a bittersweet turn, Rochester will wave goodbye to their newly appointed club champion as he departs the club to coach Bairnsdale in the Gippsland League.Runner-up Harper, another first-year Tiger and former VFL-listed player, excited on the wing for Rochester this season.
He'll continue to light up Rochester's midfield into 2022 after re-committing to staying at Moon Oval for another year.Ellie Cuttriss added another accolade to a fine career by taking out the A-grade best-and-fairest award.The Tigerettes stalwart was a shining light in the midcourt throughout the season and claimed the honour of best player with 14 votes.Defensive duo Bridgette Holt and Maddie Egglestone enjoyed strong seasons and both shared runner-up honours on 11 votes each.
B-grade honours went to Jaime Dingwall in a close count (17 votes) while Lil Ward was runner-up (16 votes). B-reserve also went down to the wire, with just one vote separating winner Ash Flanagan (16) and Phoebe Cuttriss.
Teal Hocking took out the netball Rising Star award, as well as the under-17 best-and-fairest with a run-away 26 votes. Charlee Roulston was runner-up (16). Payton Tiller was recognised as an up and coming star with the ‘Future Tiger’ award.
Kaitlyn Joyce was the best of the under-15 netballers with 21 votes. Matisse Martin wasn't far behind with 18.
The Reserve football best-and-fairest was taken out by Charlie Taylor on 162 votes. Seamus Henderson was the runner-up on 128.
Nate Rasmussen flew the family name well this season and claimed the under-16 award with 263 votes. Charlie Palmer (215) and Declan Pearse (203) rounded out the top three.
No Thirds award was presented due to the absence of the side this season. They'll make their return next year under the guidance of Hamish Hoopell.
