The Deni Junior Giants celebrated their 2023/24 season with a presentation night in late March, with more than 150 people in attendance.
The presentation kicked off with a president’s speech, welcoming all those in attendance with a special acknowledgement of all four existing life members - Leanne Landy, Brendan Willoughby and Mick and Richenda Everett.
Rebecca Fitzpatrick acknowledged the achievements and contributions of all of those involved in the association during season 2023/24.
This included noting significant achievements like having great numbers at try outs, 10 grand final appearances at the various tournaments, three grand final wins and four Giants players being awarded grand final most valuable player awards.
Special mention was also made of the under-14s boys’ development team, which had their first win of the season at the final tournament of the season.
Fitzpatrick outlined that a change in sponsorship resulted in many benefits for the association, and also acknowledged the contribution of the many new coaches sharing their love of the game with the young players.
The vote count kicked off with the U12 Boys Giants domestic team, where Will Crossley was named players’ player, before moving into awards for players in the various representative teams.
The evening also included a trip down memory lane to celebrate some of the under-18 girls players who have now aged out of the Junior Giants.
A slide show was shared showing the journeys of Emma Parks, Jerrah Caruso, Hazel Glowery and Lilly Westcott.
The Deni Junior Giants thank the Deniliquin Rams Football Netball club for the use of their venue and manning the bar.
The Giants will now take a short break before the AGM in May, which is when planning for the 2024/25 season will begin.
Representative team awards are as follows.
U12 Boys Development: MVP - Lachlan Jeffrey (30 votes), r/u Henry Pisasale (25 votes); Coach’s Award - Lennix Leetham.
U12 Girls: MVP - Isabella Goodear (68 votes), r/u Rori Dean (37 votes); Coach’s Award - Bailee Dunn.
U12 Boys: MVP - Jed Fitzmaurice (38 votes), r/u Nate Fitzpatrick (35 votes); Coach’s Award - Charlie Murray.
U14 Development Boys: MVP - Michael Benger (35 votes), r/u Lucas Braybon and Ryan Bulmer (18 votes); Coach’s Award - Angus Burge.
U14 Girls: MVP - Lily Boyer (40 votes), r/u Nina Glowrey (38 votes); Coach’s Award - Ava Braybon.
U14 Boys: MVP - Logan Elphick (40 votes), r/u Ollie Murray (18 votes); Coach’s Award - Max Burge.
U16 Girls: MVP - Bella Hillier (35 votes), r/u Bae Willis and Ruby Cowley (28 votes); Coach’s Award - Lucy Crossley.
U16 Boys: MVP - Chase Bartlett (42 votes), r/u Jai Park (39 votes); Coach’s Award - Henry Robinson.
U18 Girls: MVP - Jerrah Caruso (48 votes), r/u Ava Richards (31 votes); Coach’s Award - Ava Richards.