Top Warrandyte sporting moments of 2024

by JOSH HUNTLY
9th December 2024

WITH THE END of the year in sight, we take a brief look back at just some of the moments that stood out in the Warrandyte and surrounding sporting arena and the back pages of the Diary in 2024.

Caldwell, Mackenzie make their mark at the Olympics

Two Warrandyte Olympians, one at her first Games and another at her second, made their mark in Paris.
Local athlete Abbey Caldwell made her first foray into the Olympics with a thrilling campaign in the 800m event, placing fifth in her first heat before qualifying for the Semi-Final via the Repechage.
While the 23-year-old missed out on a spot in the final, she had done enough to reinforce her position as one of Australia’s premier middle-distance athletes and walk away proud of a stellar Olympics debut.
For Oceana Mackenzie in the sport climbing event, it was a historic moment for the sport in Australia.
After competing in Tokyo and finishing 19th, Mackenzie found herself in a podium chance after the boulder section of the combined boulder and lead competition at the Paris Games.
In front of a big finals crowd — a big contrast amid COVID-restricted Tokyo — a devilishly difficult lead wall proved a tougher opponent as Mackenzie finished 7th in the Final.
Nonetheless, the result was Australian sport climbing’s best at the Olympics and highlighted Mackenzie’s rapid rise up the ranks.

Venom women
bring home a championship

Warrandyte Venom broke a 10-year title drought by claiming the Big V Division 1 women’s competition.
The 73-50 grand final victory over Chelsea marked a turnaround from last place in 2023 to champions this year, sparking scenes of jubilation at the final buzzer.
Shannon Powell-Ross was judged grand final MVP after a 31-point, 21-rebound, and seven-assist masterclass, which capped off a brilliant 2024 season.
Emmie O’Nial and Ellie Locke were also pivotal in the clash as the Venom look forward to hanging another flag in the rafters.

Swans soar

Warrandyte Football Netball Club’s senior netball side created a slice of history by winning its first premiership since entering the side in the Eastern League competition.
The Swans defied an even competition and a dramatic extra-time Division 7 decider to defeat Lilydale 40-34 at HE Parker Reserve, leaving a strong crowd absolutely breathless by the final siren.
Darcee Clark, in defence, was pivotal, named best on the court, while Amy Potter (19 goals), Melissa Blakis (11), and captain Katelyn O’Reilly (10) also found the net for the Swans.

Junior girls shine

The future of women’s football in Warrandyte is in safe hands if this year’s Youth Girls team is anything to go by.
The junior stars picked up their third flag in a row as a group in the victory against Fitzroy in a thriller at Winton Oval as a last-minute Ava Radle smother and goal saw Warrandyte seal a 22-10 result.
It was a win to savour for the Trent Ferguson-coached Warrandyte in Division 1, with Milla Haas named best on ground for her efforts.
It was the first of two grand finals the Youth Girls played this season, facing off against Prahran in a YJFL/South Metro Junior League combined division.

Sophie’s got the golden arm

It was the equal second-most number of wickets claimed in a single WBBL season.
Sophie Day spun her way to a record 27 wickets in WBBL|09, claiming the competition’s Golden Arm accolade for most wickets.
The crafty left-armer’s skillset earned the attention of national selectors, who promptly named her in the Australia A squad, competing in a variety of T20s and a four-day game, earmarking her as one to watch in the future.

50 years of Junior footy

Warrandyte Junior Football Club marked a significant milestone in August, celebrating 50 years since its inception.
Long a hotbed for the town’s young football talent coming through the ranks, the half-century celebrations at The Grand laid bare the club’s pivotal presence not just for rising sportspeople — but for the community in general.
More than 100 people attended the function, including past players, coaches, life members, and those who continue to contribute to WJFC.
Memorabilia was on display, including jumpers, team photos, and much more, while speakers included Club President Brad Byrnes, long-time junior coach and Life Member Bill Luttick, and former player Trent Ferguson.
“The people we had around the club made it the most incredible time — clubs are built on people,” Luttick said.
“Things just got done.
“It was just a fantastic atmosphere.
“I look at the custodians of the club over the years, and it hasn’t changed; there are still fantastic people.”