IN a season where he kicked 89 goals, Penshurst’s Josh Rentsch had a night to remember, winning the W.J. Lewis Medal as the Mininera and District Football League best and fairest for 2024 on Monday.

The key forward polled 33 votes, collecting votes in 12 of 16 rounds, with nine three-vote performances.

Rentsch and Woorndoo-Mortlake’s Matthew Pemberton were tied on nine votes after five rounds, before extending out to a five-vote lead after round 12, before ensuring he couldn’t be chased down after round 14 to win ahead of Wickliffe-Lake Bolac’s Lachlan Reilly, who polled 26 votes.

The 20-year-old, who turns 21 on MDFL Grand Final Day, told The Spectator he was shocked to win the award in his first season back after spending two years in the SANFL.

“I suppose it hasn’t really sunk in, I am sure it will at some point,” he said.

“I thought I would be a chance, but usually full forwards don’t usually win these things.

“It is all fantastic to have, but that last Saturday in September as they say, that is what we’re looking for.”

Rentsch, who returned to the Bombers in 2024 as an assistant coach, said slotting back into the sash felt good, and sharing those moments with family and friends made it easier.

“It has been really good, it has been like I never left, the boys have been so supportive of me coming back,” he said.

“We have got four other Rentschs on the team, it is a real blessing to be around family and friends and to come back for the home club and to play for that cup, it has that extra bit of sentiment.

“I think the boys have been really receptive to what I’ve had to say and they’ve had great advice to give to me, so I think it has worked really well.

“The credit goes to all the volunteers, all the members coming out and supporting, and my family.”

The 20-year-old started the season by getting married in April and said he will be sticking with the Bombers for the immediate future, as the club looks to break a 12-year premiership drought when they take on Wickliffe-Lake Bolac in Saturday’s season decider.

Rentsch wasn’t the only local winner, with Glenthompson-Dunkeld’s Tom Gordon topping the Under-16.5 votes, to win the J. Box Medal after polling 25 to win by two ahead of Moyston-Willaura’s Lane Jackson.

The 16-year-old said he got nervous as the last round got closer.

“It is pretty good, I was pretty nervous there, I knew my last game wasn’t my best game, so pretty happy to pull through,” he said.

“I was confident, without being overconfident.

“I think it was my best season so far, playing mainly midfield then roll down forward for a bit.”

A handful of Gordon’s Rams teammates also polled well, with Gordon missing just one game during the season, as the consistency week-to-week helped get him over the line.

“I missed one game in the middle, that consistency has helped, we have good facilities to recover and it is a good team where you’re able to take a rest when you need and not blow yourself up,” he said.

“Those boys are the ones who allowed me to get to where I want, so without them I may not be in this position.

“It is pretty special, it feels good to get it done and to tick all the boxes is nice.

“A few senior games next year will be the goal.

“Thanks to mum and dad and Lowey (coach, Matt Lowe).”

SMW Rovers’ Shane Lench topped the reserves votes ahead of Penshurst’s Craig Jackson, while Rentsch won the senior goal kicking award, Lismore-Derrinallum’s Ryan Jeffrey topped the reserves totals, and Glenthompson-Dunkeld’s Angus Frost collected the Under-16.5 goal kicking award.

Penshurst was awarded the David Watson Memorial trophy as the champion club, finishing the season with 80.5 points ahead of Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 70 and Glenthompson-Dunkeld 61.5.

Lismore-Derrinallum’s Chris Turner was named the Junior Coach/Administrator of the Year, and SMW Rovers’ Tony Liston was the Volunteer of the Year.

Rentsch also collected the Ruth Brain Memorial Medal, as the best Under-21 player in seniors.

Netball

THE Mininera and District Netball Association had its awards night last Tuesday, with Ararat Eagles’ Paige Biddle topping the A grade best and fairest votes, while Alana Baker kept Ararat’s run going, winning the B grade award.

Hannah Maxwell made it an Ararat Eagles threepeat, topping the C grade votes, while Caramut’s Lottie Volker collected the 18-and-Under best and fairest award.

Tatyoon’s Alyssa Townsend was named the 15-and-Under best and fairest.

The Whistle Award went to Tatyoon’s Ellie McDougall, while Penshurst’s Leah Mirtschin and Glenthompson-Dunkeld’s Charlotte Alderman were acknowledged for their efforts as part of their respective Glenelg state championships teams.

Full vote board on Page 21, and photos on Page 20.