GSSA 2023: Rovers’ Georgia Whitelaw, Caledonians’ Nathan Kay and take out top division fairest and best awards

Caledonians’ Nathan Kay and Rovers’ Georgia Whitelaw took out the two major division one awards at the Great Southern Soccer Association awards ceremony on Saturday night. About 100 sharply dressed people were in attendance for the gala night held at the Hilton Garden Inn. Kay (20 votes) was a clear winner of the coveted men’s Loveridge Medal, finishing ahead of Phoenix gun Malcolm Van Burgel on 15 votes and Polonia’s Harry Knowlson on 14. The hard-running Kay attributes a fresh start in a new role as a driving force behind his stellar individual season. A long-time defender, Kay was swung from centre-back into a central midfield position in 2023 in a move that has paid dividends. “Being granted that opportunity where I can get the ball a bit more, I think that’s been a big reason for my success,” Kay said. “To get a year in the midfield and then walk away with the best and fairest award, it’s really nice.” Kay said it has been a lengthy process for his side to achieve an identity that translates on to the pitch, with Caledonians stitching up a first league title since 2018 this season after going undefeated in their 14-game campaign. “It has been a three-year process to achieve our style of play and this was the final year of that process, having a bunch of mates that understood the way we wanted to play has been great,” he said. “It all came together this year and I’m fortunate enough to be surrounded by a bunch of amazing footballers. “It truly is because of the people around me, they know how to play the game and we executed every week. “Ben (Harris) has been amazing, to come in and give us a new way of approaching the game and a new style. “He’s been a big part of the reason we’ve been successful.” Rovers youngster Georgia Whitelaw (21 votes) took out the Loveridge Medal in the women’s division one competition, her side finishing runner-up to champions Mt Barker. She edged out Mt Barker duo Libby Morris and Gabby White on 20 votes in joint second with Rovers’ Melina Franklin (14) third. Speaking after her award, Whitelaw, 14, praised her teammates and coaches. “The community in Rovers is great and all the mates I play with have been helpful.” she said. “My coach has been really supportive too. “I’ve been playing since I was about four years old but I just want to keep getting better and help my other teammates out, I’d like to maybe play up in Perth one day.” Joseph Love won the men’s Golden Boot Award for most goals scored across the season with 17 goals. Rovers’ defender Andrew Oboh was named the Coaches Player of the Year in men’s division one. In women’s division one, Rover’s Melina Franklin (23 goals) won the Golden Boot trophy while Phoenix gun Liz Bosch was named the Coaches Player of the Year. In the men’s division two competition Polonia’s Riley Martin (12 votes) won the fairest and best award with Rovers’ Jordan Thomas (13 goals) awarded the Golden Boot. In women’s division two, Lilly Cooper was named the fairest and best player while Hannah Van Der Schaaf and Emma Witten were joint Golden Boot winners on 16 goals apiece. Nathan Groenewold claimed the men’s division three fairest and best on 15 votes. Phoenix’ Josh Vanduyn and Polonai’s Phil Cavanagh were joint Golden Boot winners on 18 goals. Denmark’s Melli Sinclair-Taylor was awarded the top gong in women’s division three, finishing on 13 votes. Mt Barker’s Tahlia Ruffell was named the golden boot winner with 15 goals.