Alexandra Windell and Laura Johns have been crowned joint best and fairest of the AUSC Women’s National Premier League team for 2018; while Dylan Rolston-Howard has scooped up the equivalent award for the State League men.
Season 2018 was celebrated by bringing together AUSC’s elite teams and community women’s teams for a black tie dinner at Sunnybrae Estate.
Women’s National Premier League awards
British import Windell claimed two WNPL awards – the best and fairest as well as the ‘player’s player’ trophy. Head coach Kosta Jaric commended her “willingness to teach those around her was a priceless asset in a young team”.
“Alex came into the team for her first season from the UK and brought immense experience and security to a young defence,” Jaric said.
“Her last minute tackles, ability to initiate attacks and leadership on the pitch brought confidence to her teammates.
WNPL captain Laura Johns was a consistent performer for The Blacks. Capable of conjuring goals and assists under immense pressure, she also took home the ‘golden boot’ award with 11 goals.
“A lot of the goal scoring pressure was placed on Laura’s shoulders in 2018 and she delivered with some amazing strikes to lead the team within an inch of a finals place,” Jaric said.
“A battler and leader, the best left foot in the WNPL.”
Pirrie Weeks was awarded the ‘most improved’ player after stepping up into the WNPL first team on more consistent basis this year.
“Pirrie and her goalscoring feats are no stranger to AUSC after a brilliant 2017 in the WNPL reserves competition,” Jaric said.
“In the second half of the year she was a standout – scoring five goals and laying on assists that enabled the team to compete up until the final day of the season.
“Her form grew significantly in this time, something that coaches inside and outside of the club recognised and commended.”
Jaric will coach the squad again in 2018. He will be assisted by Division 1 women’s coach Alex Macdonald who led her squad to the league and cup double this year.
WNPL Reserves
Pirrie Weeks added two more trophies to the pool room with two awards in the WNPL reserves.
Alysia Panagakos was voted player’s player and Emiliana Soulio shone on her return to the big league with the most improved trophy.
| Award | WNPL | WNPL Reserves |
|---|---|---|
| Best & Fairest | Alexandra Windell / Laura Johns | Pirrie Weeks |
| Player’s Player | Alexandra Windell | Alysia Panagakos |
| Most Improved | Pirrie Weeks | Emiliana Soulio |
| Golden Boot | Laura Johns – 11 | Pirrie Weeks – 12 |
State League men
Goalkeeper Rolston-Howard scooped up best and fairest for the AUSC State League men, after a stellar season between the sticks.
Jordan Fighera was voted by his peers as ‘player’s player’. Austin Galli was the most improved member of the team. Axel Perez and Mohammed Al Azri were joint golden boot winners with 10 goals each.
For the State League 2 reserves, Michael Marchi was crowned best