Chris Febvre • November 26, 2021
AFL North East Border Coach of the Year Awards
AFL North East Border Coach of the Year Awards
AFL North East Border have announced the winners of their Coach of the Year Awards for 2021.
AFL NEB received a large amount of nominations for each category, from all leagues across the region.
AFL North East Border Football Development Manager, Zac Hedin commented, “After another difficult football & netball season in 2021, it was important to recognise the fantastic work our coaches across the region have done to keep players motivated. We had several impressive nominations from the clubs, however, the winners stood out for their efforts and achievements with their teams and clubs.”
“AFL North East Border would like to congratulate each of the winners in their respective categories.”
The winners of the Coach of the Year awards for 2021 are:
Senior Coach of the Year – Daryn Cresswell, Wangaratta Rovers FNC
Youth Coach of the Year – Robbie Murray, North Albury Junior FC
Junior Coach of the Year – Wayne Patten, Corowa Rutherglen Junior FC
Female Football Coach of the Year – Terry Burgess, Wodonga Raiders FFC
Auskick Coordinator of the Year – Steve McLean, Myrtleford Auskick Centre
Netball Open Age Coach of the Year – Samantha Bochtler, Benalla All Blacks FNC
Netball Under Age Coach of the Year – Trin Besic, Chiltern FNC
The AFL North East Border (AFLNEB) LaTrobe University Junior Carnival celebrated its 18th year in 2025, continuing its proud tradition of showcasing emerging talent from across the region. The carnival provides junior footballers with a valuable opportunity to represent their league against strong opposition from neighbouring competitions. This year saw significant changes to the carnivals structure, with the Tallangatta and District Football Netball League and Hume Football League withdrawing from the Junior Carnival this year with both leagues facing off in an Interleague Match later this season. As such in 2025, we held four full matches between the Albury Wodonga Junior Football League (AWJFL) and Wangaratta & District Junior Football League (WDJFL) across 4 age groups – U13’s, U14’s, U15’s and U16’s. Held once again at the picturesque Lavington Sportsground, the event made full use of both ovals. With the sun shining and perfect playing conditions, the stage was set for an outstanding day of football. Match Results & Highlights U13s – Oval 2, 10:00 AM A thrilling opener saw the WDJFL control much of the play early, led by Tom Sealy and Jack Hart, and holding a narrow lead into the final term. However, a resilient AWJFL side, inspired by Best on Ground Ryder Pearce (Wodonga Raiders JFC), surged late to claim victory. Final Score: AWJFL 7.9 (51) def WDJFL 5.8 (38) U15s – Oval 1, 10:00 AM The AWJFL made the most of a first-quarter breeze to take an early lead, and despite a determined fightback from the WDJFL, they held on for a hard-fought win. Will Packer (Albury JFC) was instrumental and awarded Best on Ground honours. Final Score: AWJFL 7.8 (50) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U14s – Oval 2, Midday This closely contested match saw multiple lead changes in the second half. Archie Knobel and Harris Bruneau were instrumental for the WDJFL. With pressure mounting in the final minutes, the AWJFL edged ahead with a goal after the siren, sealing a memorable 8-point win. Tom Toepfer (Albury JFC) was pivotal and named Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 6.7 (43) def WDJFL 5.5 (35) U16s – Oval 1, Midday Featuring some of the region’s top junior talent, this match showcased high-level football. WDJFL started strongly, but AWJFL steadily worked their way back and dominated the second half. Blake Morgan (Albury JFC) delivered a standout performance to earn Best on Ground. Final Score: AWJFL 12.14 (86) def WDJFL 7.4 (46) Overall it was a fantastic day of football, with all but the U16’s match up for grabs until the final 5 to 10 minutes keeping everyone in attendance highly engaged. Zac Hedin, AFLNEB Region Manager, shared his thanks and reflections on the day: "On behalf of AFLNEB, I’d like to thank everyone involved in the 2025 AFLNEB LaTrobe University Junior Carnival. A special thank you goes to all the volunteers – coaches, team managers, trainers, runners, and first aiders – who make this event possible each year." "It was fantastic to see all games played in such great spirit. The conduct of players, coaches, and spectators was exemplary, and a credit to all involved. We look forward to seeing how these young players continue to develop through the 2025 season, and we hope to welcome many of you back in 2026." A big thanks to our AFLNEB Partners, in particular LaTrobe University, Hume Bank, the Commercial Club, Loco Apparel and APCO.
A huge congratulations to ALL 7 clubs from the AFLNEB region who’ve scored funding through Round 2 of the AFL’s Telstra Footy Country Grants! Across the first two rounds, 9 local clubs have shared over $18,000 to support their incredible initiatives and projects! This is a massive win for our community, and we’re proud to have played a small part in making it happen. We can’t wait to keep the momentum going and support even more clubs in the remaining two rounds this year! If your club is looking to make an application in the coming rounds please reach out to AFLNEB Club Development Lead, Chandan Kulkarni - chandan.kulkarni@aflneb.com.au More info - Telstra Footy Country Grants
The ultimate footy fundraiser is back for the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season and it’s your time to Raise Like A Legend! Toyota has been supporting grassroots clubs every step of the way since 2015. Last year, we helped raise $1,242,865 across 913 clubs. This year we want your footy club to be part of it. It’s free and easy, and Toyota provide the promotional tools so that anyone at your club can get involved, you’ll be smashing fundraising records in no time. For more info and to register your club, please follow the link here - Toyota Good For Footy Raffle
