Port Melbourne Chargers Best & Fairest-A Night to Remember

On Saturday 13 September 2025, the Port Melbourne Chargers Women’s Football Club made history with our first ever Best & Fairest Awards Night at the Sandridge Function and Events Centre. It was an evening that brought together players, families, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters to celebrate a season that has laid the foundations for our future.

A Night of Reflection & Celebration

Our MC, Lou Mitchell, set the tone for the night from the very beginning — opening the evening in full Chargers playing uniform and keeping everyone entertained throughout the night.

Our Club President Kerry Ashbrook welcomed everyone and began the evening by reflecting on the incredible journey since the club’s official launch on March 11th. In just one season, over 70 women pulled on the Chargers jumper, many for the very first time, and together fielded two competitive teams in the VAFA competition.

From building a club from scratch to establishing a thriving community, Kerry acknowledged the contributions of players, volunteers, partners, sponsors, and supporters:

• Salta Properties, our foundation partner, whose belief in equality, women’s sport and our club, changed everything for us this year. Sam Tarascio and Carmen Tarascio’s support enabled the club to focus on our people, building our leadership strengths and culture

• The Palace Hotel, supporting us through the season and providing Best on Ground awards for all teams at each home game

• Every foundation member, family, friends and supporters who have stood behind us this year.

  
  

Kerry also spoke to the values at the heart of the Chargers — Community, Integrity, Passion, Respect, and Excellence — and outlined the clubs focus for the coming season: continuing to build strong foundations, strengthening pathways from juniors to seniors, continuing to grow our resources and support, and expanding the club’s impact across the community.

Kerry also spoke on behalf of the committee and the club acknowledging and paying tribute to the incredible coaches whose commitment, care and dedication have shaped the Chargers’ first season and our clubs culture:

• Brad Cathie – Recognised for his outstanding leadership and the way he takes the time to know every player, building trust and belief that has driven growth across the squad.

• Stuart Dickenson – Thanked for stepping up to lead the Reserves, bringing positivity, inclusion, and encouragement that made every player feel valued.

• Harriet Weir – Celebrated for her growth and confidence as a developing coach, helping create a welcoming, connected team environment.

• Harriet Cooper – Was honoured for her dedication, expertise, and the way she built strong, trusting relationships with players while going above and beyond for the club

  
  

This was followed by a season review from Director of Coaching-Harriet Cooper, who spoke with pride about the development of our players, the resilience shown through challenges, and how she was most proud of the strong culture that has already begun to define the Chargers.

Harriet also acknowledged key milestones for the season, including Amelie Kamberis with 50 games and both our Captain Maegan Harrison and Nikki Wallace achieving 150 games.

Salta Awards

The Salta Best First Year Player is awarded to a debut player who made an immediate impact on and off the field, showing commitment, growth, and a bright future with the Chargers.

The Salta Golden Boot Award is presented to the season’s leading goal scorer, demonstrating exceptional skill, persistence, and achievement.

Both awards are proudly supported by our Foundation Partner, Salta Properties, whose commitment to community and women’s sport has been integral to the Chargers’ inaugural season. We were honoured to have Sam present to both our award winners:

• Salta Best First Year Player – Tess Maloney

• Salta Golden Boot Award – Georgia Harris

Kerry Ashbrook Award

This award is one of the most special within our club and is to recognise a player or volunteer who truly embodies everything our club stands for. It's not about the most goals, the loudest voice, or the biggest achievements on paper- it’s about passion, commitment, and living our values in everything they do. Director of Coaching-Harriet Cooper presented the Kerry Ashbrook award to:

• Head of Performance - Brad Cathie

Reserves Coach Stuart Dickenson took to the stage to present his team’s awards, recognising the commitment and growth of the players who pulled on the jumper week in, week out.

Reserves Awards

• Most Consistent Player – Sam Shrayer

• Coaches Award – Tully Ryan

• 3rd Runner Up Best & Fairest – Ella Travis

• 2nd Runner Up Best & Fairest – Mili Ledgerwood

• Best & Fairest – Alex Gurr

Director of Coaching Harriet Cooper introduced the Nunzio Players Player Award, named to honour Nunzio Lucarelli. Nunzio attends every training session and is our runner for both teams at every single game, even when both teams play away at different locations.

Nunzio’s Players’ Player Award

Voted by teammates and a true reflection of respect and camaraderie:

• Maegan Harrison

• Claire Highfield

  
  

Harriet Cooper - Head Coach and Senior Assistant Coach - Harriet Weir continued to present the senior team’s awards.

Seniors Awards

• Most Consistent Player – Claire Highfield

• Coaches Award – Jess Stolz

• 3rd Runner Up Best & Fairest – Maegan Harrison

• 2nd Runner Up Best & Fairest – Olivia Box

• Best & Fairest – Maia Sublet

Rise Above Awards

The night continued in the same spirit it began — full of good humour and fun — as Zara Wilson and Maia Sublet took the stage to present our much-anticipated Rise Above Awards.

These light-hearted honours sparked plenty of laughter while shining a spotlight on some of the quirky, unforgettable moments that defined our first season.

Among the favourites:

• Steve Harris was recognised for his “Best Dad Jokes,” a fitting follow-up to his earlier acknowledgement as the “Best Dad” for never missing one of Georgia’s games or goals.

• President Kerry took home the award for being “Most Likely to Be Your Spam Caller.” While still not entirely sure how to take the honour, Kerry cheerfully encourages everyone to add her number to their phone — because you never know when the president might be calling!

The Rise Above Awards perfectly captured the Chargers’ culture: a club that works hard, plays hard, and never forgets to share a laugh along the way.

Thank You

On behalf of the Player Leadership Team, Maegan and Claire thanked a number of individuals.

Providing a huge thank you to our incredible committee, coaches, support staff, volunteers, families, and sponsors. Your dedication has been the backbone of our success in 2025, and we are grateful for the countless hours and passion you bring to our club.

We were honoured to have Sam Tarascio, representing Salta Properties, close out the formalities of the evening.  

Sam shared how much Salta Properties and their family,  value being part of the Chargers community, highlighting the club’s values of community, diversity, inclusion, and leadership and

the strong alignment to their business.

Sam recognised the leadership within the club and called out Harriet and Maegan for their leadership that welcomed younger players, making them feel supported and confident.

Sam also recognised Nunzio and praised the role of families, coaches, and parents in creating a true grassroots community environment.

The message was clear: being involved with the Chargers is not just about football, but about belonging, growth, and building something meaningful together.

The evening was capped off with live music from Kate McKay, bringing everyone together for the rest of the evening, on the dance floor to celebrate what has truly been a season to remember.

The night felt magical, with many commenting on how much love you could feel in the room and that you could see just how much being a part of Port Melbourne Chargers Women's Football Club community means to people.

The night truly reflected everything the Chargers stand for: celebrating football, connection, community and the people who make it all possible.