Sport
15 May, 2025
Cousins receive Spirit of Sport Awards
Ararat Rats under-17 footballer, Sam Harrington, and 17-and-under netballer Bridie Price received the Wimmera Football Netball League Blue Ribbon Foundation Spirit of Football and Netball awards for round one.
Both were presented with their awards on Good Friday, and it was an extra special moment for them because they are cousins, sharing their feats.
Harrington, 16 years old, is a versatile player who can play in several different positions on the field. He is also a team player and is always willing to play wherever he is needed for the team.
He listens to his coach and as a result, continues to improve his football skills, and always plays a fair brand of football and in doing so, shows respect to his teammates, the opposing team, and umpires during the game.
This season, Harrington is playing ruck and rotating through the backline. He said he was honoured to receive the award.
“I’m proud and honoured as it’s a great achievement for a great cause,” Harrington said.
“I try to play my best footy and help the team. I always want to achieve the best result and have a great time, and week in and week out, that’s my focus, to try and get the best team result.”
Harrington was thrilled to receive the award alongside Bridie Price.
“It was really good for two family members to receive the award, and it’s very humbling, and I am proud of her,” Harrington concluded.
Price, 15 years old, is an incredible young netballer and is a joy to coach. She is always eager to learn and supports her fellow teammates endlessly.
She can play both ends of the court, and as a defender, she uses her height, great read of play, and incredible reach to pick off many intercepts, but her sportsmanship is where she truly shines.
This season, Price is playing the 17-and-under and B-grade. She plays predominantly as a goalkeeper, but also plays stints as a goal attack and sometimes goal defense.
In the first three rounds, Price has scored 10 goals in B-grade and 19 in 17-and-under when playing in attack.
Price was ecstatic to receive the award.
“I’m honoured to get the award, and I am pretty happy and was excited, but I was surprised at the same time,” Price said.
“It was pretty good to receive it with Sam, and it was surprising we won it together.”
Price wants to learn as much as she can this year and highlighted the areas she wants to improve.
“I want to learn as much as I can from everyone and do the best we can as a team,” Price said.
“I want to improve on zoning – defensive zones and communicating with my teammates.”
The Spirit of Sport Awards Program was created in partnership with various sporting bodies and Victoria Police to reward young participants in team sports for sportsmanship, fair play, and mutual respect.