Sport
7 February, 2026
Region’s top award has new format in 2026
THE Loddon Herald Sports Star of the Year award takes on a new format for 2026.
Now in its third year, the region’s premier award recognising outstanding achievements by individual sportsmen and woman, will run for the calendar.
Transitioning from being aligned to the sporting seasons, the 2026 will have a potential 15 monthly winners - the final three months of last year will be included for one year only.
The format better aligns with planning and presentation of the major award to avoid the hectic Christmas period and January, said Loddon Herald managing editor Chris Earl.
Boort netballer and marathon runner Carly Isaac was the 2024 sports star and golfer Andrew Kane won for 2025.
The monthly winners for the 2026 award are:
October: Boort Yando cricket captain Josh Smith who set up what has been a stellar season so far when he hit 92 not out in the opening Upper Loddon association round, a T20 encounter.
November: Wedderburn hockey star Shelby Giorlando who was selected in the Australian country under 21 side.
December: Boort Yando junior cricketer Cooper Gooding went to the Christmas break in super form, hitting 53 off just 39 balls.
January: Wedderburn’s Ben and Ollie Huismann who coached the Maryborough Blazers under 16 basketball side to victory at the 2026 Portland Aluminium Southwest Classic Division 1 Championship.
Monthly award winners are selected from stories appearing in the Loddon.
If you know of a sporting achievement, pop us an email at news@loddonherald.com.au