Young star Peel Thunderbirds duo Sabreena Duffy and Courtney Hodder continued to make a name for themselves in WA’s female football circles with outstanding results at the WA Women’s Football League awards dinner on Monday night.
In just their rookie year the pair was able to finish third and fourth in the league’s Dhara Kerr Fairest and Best count, despite both missing multiple games due to responsibilities with WA’s state side.
Duffy finished the count with a stellar 19 votes from just 11 games, enough to earn her the league’s Cath Boyce Rookie of the Year honours along the way.
Hodder, who missed a whopping six games on the year, was able to finish the count fourth with a tally of 14 votes from her eight matches.
Going at those rates, a full season would have seen the 17-year-olds finish with around 24 votes each, just two away from winner Jodie White who ended the night with an impressive 26.
Thunderbirds league coach Mark Fenton said it was a remarkable achievement for the duo.
“For them to come into the league in just their first year, miss multiple games and finish as high as they did on the vote count is outstanding,” he said.
“It’s always hard to gauge what you’re going to get from a first year player but they came into our league side and were immediately two of our three or four best players.
“When we have them running through our midfield we’re a 5-10 goal better side, that’s how much difference they make.
“Both of them have huge futures ahead. I think every AFL Women’s club in the country will want them on their side.”
Both Duffy and Hodder will be of age to be drafted in 2018.
Peel Thunderbirds sharpshooter Kira Phillips was also in the spotlight on the night, being presented her silverware for taking out the league’s leading goal-kicker award with a tally of 38, including 11 in the final round.
Justin Rake
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
Sports journalist for the Mandurah Mail, Australian Community Media, Fairfax Media.
