KYRA Nathan has created history by becoming the first Ouyen United player to win the Jackie Horkings Medal.
The Kangas co-coach polled 25 votes to be a runaway winner at Monday night’s count while Wentworth’s Amanda Edwards, South Mildura’s Demi Toms and Merbein’s Jada Phillips were next best, tied on 17.
The win capped off a brilliant season for the classy centre, who will be hoping to create even more history on Saturday when the Kangas play in their first SFNL A Grade grand final against Wentworth at City Oval.
Nathan was well behind in early voting, not polling in the first four rounds, with Edwards and Toms setting the pace, leading the count with seven at the completion of the fourth round.
Nathan did not poll her first votes, three, until round 5 against Red Cliffs, but then failed to catch the umpire’s eye again until round 7 when she received one vote, but that was the start of her charge towards the top of the leaderboard, receiving two more three votes and a two in the next three rounds to move into the lead with 12.
Edwards rejoined Nathan back at the top of the table with three votes in round 11 to move to 12, while the Kangas’ star did not receive a vote.
But a three in round 12 had Nathan back on top and, despite not polling in the following round with Ouyen United having the bye, she was able to maintain her lead, picking up 10 votes in the last five games to rush away from the pack. Irymple’s Kasey Caristo was the next best behind Nathan, Edwards, Toms and Phillips, with 15 votes.
Georgia Giofrello was Robinvale Euston’s best player with 11 votes, while at Red Cliffs, Hayley Nelson finished with eight.
Imperials’ Laura Kee and Alle Littore finished with seven votes each, while Mildura’s Maddison Alvino was the Demons’ best with 11 votes.
