Junee Diesels celebrated their centenary season at their presentation night on Friday, with the club able to reflect on a campaign that delivered plenty of highlights both on and off the field.
Held at the Junee Ex-Services Club on Friday, September 25, the night provided an opportunity for the club to recognise the efforts of its players across all grades after a memorable 100th season.
The club’s First Grade side reached the Group 9 finals for the first time since 2018, while the women’s tackle side capped off its season by claiming a maiden premiership.
First Grade prop Jaydyn Hoeta was a standout throughout the season, taking home both the Best and Fairest and Best Forward awards.
Hoeta was a powerful and hard-working presence through the middle for the Diesels and was rewarded for his consistent performances across the campaign.
Tevita Toloi was recognised as the side’s Best Back, with the strike centre proving a constant threat whenever he had the ball in his hands.
Former Australian Sevens Rugby captain Stu Dunbar took home both the Coach’s Award and Players’ Player, capping off a strong season for the five-eighth.
Dunbar also polled well in the Weissel Medal, which recognises the Group 9 competition’s best and fairest player.
There was plenty of recognition for the club’s premiership-winning women’s tackle side, which enjoyed a season to remember.
Coach and Weissel Medal winner Emma Hickey was awarded the Best and Fairest after an outstanding campaign.
Hickey was a constant threat on the edge for the Diesels and provided strong leadership throughout the season.
Claire Foley was named Best Forward after playing an important role through the middle, providing plenty of go-forward while also putting in the work defensively.
Halfback Anabelle Willis took out Best Back, with her kicking and passing game playing an important part in the Diesels’ successful season.
The co-captain is the daughter of Diesels legend and multiple Group 9 premiership winner Damian Willis, continuing a strong family connection with the club.
Hooker and goal kicker Emily Edson received the Coach’s Award after providing reliable service from the ruck and getting through plenty of defensive work throughout the season.
Lillee Edwards was recognised as the side’s Most Improved, while utility Matika Simmons was named joint Players’ Player after filling a number of roles throughout the season, particularly in the outside backs.
Co-captain and five-eighth Haileigh Neaves was also recognised for her contribution as the other joint winner of the Player’s Player award, with her strong defensive work complemented by an impressive running game and ability to create opportunities with the ball.
The success of the women’s tackle side also flowed into the League Tag awards, with a number of players who played key roles in the premiership-winning side also recognised.
Abbey Field was named Best and Fairest, while Anabelle Willis was awarded Best Defender and Emily Edson Best Attacker.
Matika Simmons received the Coach’s Award, with Haileigh Neaves taking out Players’ Player.
The awards highlighted the amount of time and effort several of the women put into the club across both competitions throughout the season.
In Reserve Grade, Rhys Diggins was named Best and Fairest, with Charlie Harris taking out Best Forward and Jaelin Miles named Best Back.
Tom Collins-McAlister received the Coach’s Award, while Ebeneza Sannga was recognised as Players’ Player.
The club’s Under 18s were also recognised for their efforts, with Charlie Sainsbury named Best and Fairest.
Nate Johnson was awarded Best Forward, Riley Dobson Best Back, Sam Rankin the Coach’s Award, with first grade debutant Jack Walker being awarded Players’ Player.
With the First Grade side back in the finals and the women’s tackle team bringing home premiership silverware, there was plenty for the Diesels to celebrate as the club brought its 2026 season to a close.
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