Under-17 Stawell footballer Lucky Ika’s outstanding season has been recognised with the young Warrior picking up another accolade.
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Ika was named as the 2017 Wimmera Football League under-17 player of the year when the Blue Ribbon Spirit of Football awards were handed out on grand final day on Saturday.
The award is handed out to an under-17 player who exhibits great sportsmanship throughout the season.
Umpires vote for the award winners.
Each player is given a vote out of 10 for sportsmanship and skill, and the cumulative of season votes decides the player of the year.
Ika was named as the Wimmera Football League under-17 best and fairest runner up earlier in the month as well.
Ika and his Warriors side were beaten by the Horsham Saints in the preliminary final. The team was Stawell’s most successful football side in 2017.
The under-17 Warrior has had a huge year of development, featuring regularly in Stawell’s reserves team and making his senior debut, booting two goals in four games.
Stawell under-17 coach Brett Graveson said Ika was deserving of the award.
“Lucky is a great kid,” he said.
“He is not a dirty player or a smart alec, he just goes about doing his part for the team.
“He really reflects perfectly what the award is all about with sportsmanship combined with class.”
Ika is now finished in the under-17 team and will look to solidify a spot in Stawell’s senior side in 2018.
Graveson said Ika has been great to watch this season.
“He has great agility and he is so elusive and quick. I just love watching him play and take the game on,” he said.
“He has always been a pleasure to coach and while it is sad to see him finish up in the under-17’s I am looking forward to seeing him hopefully play senior footy next year.”