NELSON Bay Marlins AFL midfield dynamo Jayden Baldwin-Rymer scooped the pool at the club’s recent Senior Presentation Night at Shoal Bay Country Club.
The experienced campaigner took out the Marlins’ Best and Fairest and Players’ Player awards after an outstanding season in the Hunter Central Coast AFL Black Diamond Cup competition.
Jayden turned in skilful displays to spearhead the Marlins’ Grand Final charge – inspiring teammates with his all-action performances on field in the tough and competitive Cup series.
Nelson Bay bowed out of the title race after a 124-77 loss to eventual champions Terrigal Avoca Panthers in an elimination final at Adelaide Street Oval.
Marlins player-coach Wayd Blackburn and superboot Billy Barton were named in the Men’s Black Diamond Cup Team of the Year, after powerhouse performances for the blue and golds.
Runner-up for the Best and Fairest Award was the tireless Adam Grant.
Sean McGrath took out the Wayne Weaver Award while the injured Milla Gainsford and Harry Lack were named the Club Team Players for 2025.
Midfield ace Catalina Labra Knox also capped an amazing season by being named the Hunter Central Coast AFL Women’s Black Diamond Plate Player of the Year and taking out the Marlins’ best and fairest award.
Catalina was one of four Marlins players named in the Women’s Black Diamond Plate Team of the Year along with skipper Olivia Feldman, Tara Maguire and Mikaela Burrows.
Inspirational leader Feldman also received the Women’s Players’ Player award for guiding the team into an epic Grand Final against Newcastle City Blues.
Marlins of the Year were Chaeli Callaghan (women) and Zane Grant (men) while the talented Burrows and Lachy Blyth were named the club’s Most Consistent players.
Scarlett Lack and Beau Redman took out the Best Players Under 20 awards while Barton and centurion Sophie Elliott (100 games) were recognised as the club’s leading goalkickers.
Hard-working volunteer Kris Flegg was acknowledged as the Marlins’ Club Person of the Year.
Life memberships were bestowed to Marlins’ club stalwarts Darryn Hearn, Sue and Don Spencer, Michael and Penny Blyth, Roger Price, Pat White, Darren Duffy and Peter Swarbrick.
By Chris KARAS
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