Sport
25 July, 2026
Whinfield favourite for rising star
MACORNA’S hard-working midfielder Sam Whinfield is hot favourite for the Loddon Valley’s football Rising Star Award after nominations were announced last week.
MACORNA’S hard-working midfielder Sam Whinfield is hot favourite for the Loddon Valley’s football Rising Star Award after nominations were announced last week.
Whinfield has been outstanding for the Tigers in their first season in the league, and is placed sixth in the Elvee Award, which is judged clubs’ 3-2-1 votes after each game.
In 14 games this season, Whinfield has been named among Macorna’s best players 12 times.
He was runner up last season in the Golden Rivers league Under 18 Most Valuable Player award, and in 2023 won the junior best and fairest award.
Whinfield is nominated for the Rising Star along with Calivil’s Tyler Rasmussen and Maiden Gully’s Mitchell Lines.
Running defender Rasmussen joined the Demons this year after a stellar junior career, winning the East Loddon Rams’ best and fairest award and finishing runner up in the league vote last season.
He also played 13 senior games with Mitiamo in 2025, being named among the best players six times.
Lines’ clearance work and contested footy has made him an automatic selection for the Eagles.
Marong’s Larni Taylor, Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Marley Addlem and Pyramid Hill’s Mia Farrar are the nominees for the netball Rising Star.
Taylor has had a strong season with the Panthers as a shooter whose consistency is her strength.
Addlem’s versatility has been a highlight in a difficult season for the Bears.
A talented mid-courter, she has also been called on to play key roles such as goal attack and goal defence.
Farrar’s coachability is prized at the Kennel as an emerging mid-court talent.
Read More: Macorna