A Rising Star will be selected each month from a list of eligible nominees supplied by clubs. In total five nominees in both football and netball will qualify for the Rising Star of the Year Award. 

The footballer selected for June 2023 is Wangaratta Rovers Justin Lewis who has made a huge impression with the Hawks in his 5 senior games. 

Lewis previously played at Corowa Rutherglen and represented the OMFL against Goulburn Valley this year in the Under 18’s. 

Wangaratta Rovers Football Operations Manager Barry Sullivan says Lewis is an impressive talent. 

“Since arriving at Wang Rovers, Justin has impressed with his dedication and commitment to improving and has quickly endeared himself to teammates and supporters alike with his uncompromising focus on team footy.”  

Zoe Prentice from the Wodonga Raiders is the netballer selected for June and has shown in her ten senior games as Wing Defence just how valuable she is. 

A Grade coach at Wodonga Raiders Jodie House was full of praise for the youngster.   

“Zoe has spent most of her 17U court time in the defending circle, Zoe has been pushed out into Mid Court defence for her debut season in A Grade 2023.”  

“The speedy winger continues to develop her game at a higher level, supporting the circle defence outside the ring in the WD position.”  

The A grade netball competition has come alive following last week’s stunning upset win by Lavington over the previously unbeaten Yarrawonga. 

While the top five has been locked away any one of the four sides below the Pigeons will give themselves of going deep into September action. 

Wangaratta, who are in second position, are yet to have a full-strength side on the court and pose a huge threat to all other teams. 

Myrtleford has transformed into a high-scoring attacking machine over the last two games with the move of Sophie Hanrahan to goal-shooter impacting greatly. 

On the football field, Yarrawonga and Albury are assured of a top-three finish with one of the two most likely to finish minor premiers. 

The battle for the third spot looked over a few weeks back but an injury-ravaged Wangaratta are now looking vulnerable as old rivals Rovers make their move at them. 

The two Wangaratta sides are both level on eight wins, with Wangaratta having the round eighteen bye that should ensure the third spot will go to the wire. 

The same can be said for the fifth and final spot that Wodonga looks to have almost secured but not guaranteed with a tough run home. 

They are two games clear and a healthy percentage of Lavington and North Albury who play each other in a virtual elimination final when play resumes in round fifteen. 

The loser will be out of the running, while the winner will need no slip-ups and hope that Wodonga does slip up. North Albury has the easier draw over Lavington. 

Wodonga has the bye next game so the winner of the Hoppers and Panthers at Bunton Park will move to within one game of Wodonga. 

So still plenty to play out in a red-hot season of O&M football and netball.