Young stars Gabby White and Marley Masih named fairest and best players in top divisions for 2021 season

Denmark defender Marley Masih and Polonia midfielder Gabby White have been recognised for their outstanding individual seasons, claiming the men’s and women’s division one fairest and best awards respectively on Friday night. The Great Southern Soccer Association held their gala awards night at the pavilion alongside the North Road grounds, to wrap up the 2021 senior season. Masih was acknowledged as the best and fairest player in the men’s top-tier competition, playing a strong role for Denmark in their first season in the competition. The young defender was a dominant force throughout the regular season and polled accordingly to edge out runner-up Jason Bosch from Caledonians to claim the award. White was named the fairest and best player in the women’ top competition, prevailing over Denmark star Zara Whooley. Whooley won the accolade in 2018 and 2019. White is a multiple winner of the award and was a solid contributor for her team but they were unable to stop Denmark from claiming the league and cup double. Port Albany’s Charlie Walters took home the Andy Walsh Rising Star award. Caledonians’ Kieran Loveridge and Rovers’ Justin Bielecki were joint winners of the men’s division one golden boot trophy after scoring 15 goals each. Polonia’s Libby Morris claimed the women’s division one golden boot award, finishing with 29 goals for the season. In the other awards announced on the night Phoenix’s Byron Spaanderman won the men’s division two best and fairest over Royals’ Peran Durrant. The Vets’ Peter Slebos took out the men’s social/vets fairest and best award ahead of Old Boys’ Gerry McNally. Mt Barker’s Leah Field claimed the women’s division two fairest and best gong over teammate Tiffany Parson and Polonia’s Christine Liau. Rovers’ Carys Nichols won the women’s division three fairest and best award over Sonics’ Telikah Collins. The Loveridge Award, for the players who polled the most votes across all competitions, went to Masih (men) and White (women).