One of the great aspects of writing for the Bendigo Advertiser is the depth and variety of sporting talent in the region that we get to report on.
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2018 was no different with a host of wonderful sporting achievements across a range of sports.
Sometimes it’s not just the winning and/or losing that makes sports stories memorable.
Here’s my favourite five yarns of the Bendigo sporting year.
Jye Caldwell’s path to the AFL Draft
Jye Caldwell was always going to be selected in this year’s AFL National Draft – it was just a matter of which club. The GWS Giants won the battle for Caldwell’s services. The gun midfielder’s journey to the AFL was one of dedication, commitment and sacrifice in a range of sports.
Tayla Vlaeminck selected to play for Australia
Tayla Vlaeminck’s talent was unquestionable, but her selection in September to the Australian women’s T20 squad came as a shock to even her greatest fans. The opening bowler didn’t let the Australian selectors down. She didn’t look out of place in limited opportunities against Pakistan in Malaysia and in the successful T20 World Cup campaign in the West Indies.
Lucas Herbert: from Neangar Park to the top 100 of world golf
Bendigo golfer Lucas Herbert showed the golfing world his class with a super season on the European Tour. Despite having the golfing world at his feet, Herbert hasn’t forgotten where he’s come from. He relished a rare opportunity to return to his home club Neangar Park where he talked about his form, his goals and his love of Bendigo.
Jonty overcomes adversity to lead Hawks to BFNL flag
When Jonty Neaves went down with an elbow injury late in Eaglehawk’s second semi-final win over Strathfieldsaye, the athletic ruckman looked set to miss the BFNL grand final a fortnight later. When his elbow was placed in plaster the odds of him playing looked to be 100-1. There was to be no denying Neaves a place in the grand final. Not only did he play, he dominated.
Best buddies Graham Browney and Big Roy
Bendigo horse trainer Graham Browney isn’t a household name in the sport of kings. While he mightn’t have the training record of Darren Weir or David Hayes, his passion for horses, in particular his stable favourite Big Roy, is the equal of any trainer in the country.
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