Tim Ledwidge Memorial Medal Vote Count 2023

Senior Netball & Senior Football

The annual Tim Ledwidge Memorial Medal Vote Count evening was held on Monday 9 October in the Marian Theatre at Catherine McAuley College. The Vote Count is held at the conclusion of all matches in the Senior Netball Competition and the Premier League Football competition; with votes awarded across all games played in both sports. The medals are awarded to the players who accrue the most votes.

Nine previous winners were in attendance while a number of others sent their apologies, in testament to the value that past students place on the award and the connection they continue to have with the College.

The Netball vote count was held first and was a great contest. Votes were awarded across the four days of competition in which the girls played a total of seventeen matches. The distribution of votes was very well spread with the audience enjoying the intriguing count as a number of players consistently received votes.

The eventual winner was Maggie Burke who received 64 votes. Maggie’s defending was incredible and a highlight all year. Her ability to work effectively with Layla O’Shea in the defensive circle, to consistently nullify the attacking moves of the opposition teams was outstanding and subsequently one of the reasons the team did so well this year. Add in the fact that she could be switched into goals with confidence and it was no surprise that Maggie should be our eventual netball winner for 2023.

Hannah Tyndall finished second on 43 votes, with Ava Nihill in third just three votes behind on 40. Both girls played some incredible netball this year. They worked together brilliantly in attack, always making it hard for the opposition by shooting extremely accurately and flicking the ball around to ensure that they always had a comfortable shot on goal. They were all class in every match and their ability to share the load was a highlight.

The Senior Netball team played extremely well in all games, and their results clearly reflected this. To make the State Finals in the School Sport Victoria competition and to win 4 of 5 Victorian School Championship games was an outstanding achievement. As a group, they were simply incredible and a delight to associate with. Congratulations to all players on a great year.

The Senior Football count was very close and entertaining. The boys played a total of four games and also played very consistent football throughout the year. After votes were tallied across all games, Jack McMahon was named the winner with a total of 47 votes, just two votes ahead of Archer Day-Wicks.

Jack is an extremely deserving winner who always led from the front in every game he played. His determination, dedication, form, attitude, and most importantly, leadership on the football field, reflected his vote tally. He never shied away from a contest, and his ability to get to contest after contest was impressive.

The same could also be said for Archer, who finished with a total of 45 votes. Archer’s form was always so consistent. He would always be in the play and his ability to kick vital goals in big moments was uncanny. Archer’s love of the game was always on show, and his energy was electric and infectious.

In third position was the dynamic Tobie Travaglia with 37 votes, followed by the ‘general in defence’ Deakin Andrews with 22. The top 5 was rounded out by the big ruckman Darcy Lawler with 17 votes. This sensational group of young men relished every opportunity to pull on the CMC jumper this year. They played with pride and were great advocates for the College – their attitude reflected the motto that “playing for the School is invaluable and that such an opportunity should be cherished and valued”.

The reward of making the SSV Premier League Semi Finals was so very well deserved, and to come away from that with a very narrow loss was disappointing, yet rewarding. The early conclusion to their journey should not at all diminish the achievements these boys have accomplished. Throughout the campaign, the passion and determination to improve each game were surpassed only by the strong team bond the boys displayed, where playing at their best for each other became a team priority. The fellowship created in the throes of competition is a rare and everlasting feeling and should be remembered and cherished.

We congratulate our winners on their achievement and we acknowledge and congratulate all the players on a great united performance in their respective sports in 2023.

2023 winners, Maggie Burke and Jack McMahon. 2023 winners with the Ledwidge family

Once again it was a pleasure to have Simone, Liam and Jason Ledwidge present on the night. It is an absolute honour and a privilege that they continue to support this very special event on the College calendar.

It was also fantastic to have many past winners of this award and their families in attendance at this special night.

Past and current recipients and the Ledwidge family:

Back L-R: Tim Brooks (2007), Tom McCarthy (2006), Hunter Lawrence (2018), Seb Greene (2013), Lachlan Ross (2012), Jack McMahon (2023), Maggie Burke (2023), Ava Hamilton (2022), Simone Ledwidge
Front L-R: Jason Ledwidge, Lee Coghlan, Liam Ledwidge, Xavier Walsh (2015), Fergus Greene (2016)

Apologies were received from Riley McIvor (2010), Ned Slater (2014), Benjamin Worme (2019) and Eli Pearce (2022) and Chloe Watson (2012).

To see these past students and their families again and have them come back to relive what was an honour for them, simply reinforces the significance of this award and the way that representing your school in sport with your mates is something you cherish and remember forever.

Thank you also to the many families that attended this evening. It was wonderful to have so many parents attend and enjoy this night together with their children. The night was a great success and I thank you all for your support.

As a past student and as a teacher at this College for many years, Tim Ledwidge had a huge influence on the College’s sporting teams and players. His ongoing legacy, to be the best you can be no matter what, will always be part of our College’s sporting ethos.

Maree Pearce, Activities Coordinator – St Mary’s