2017 has been a massive year for sport in Stawell. In the next few editions we take a look back at the best sport stories from the year, starting with January, February and March in today’s edition.
JANUARY
Apprentice jockey Jessica Eaton made the perfect start to the year, notching a special new years day victory at Burrumbeet.
The Grampians Cricket Association committee made the tough decision to dissolve the C Grade competition, after regular forfeits from multiple teams.
Dane Smith makes a strong start to the year, winning two races at the 2017 Halls Gap Cup race day.
The Grasshoppers introduced a new face to their coaching stocks, with Taylor Mason joining Caitlyn Murphy as Navarre’s A Grade co-coach for the 2017 season, looking for a fifth consecutive premiership.
Internationally-owned Nozomi wins the 2017 Great Western Cup.
Grampians Estate sign a two-year sponsorship deal with Stawell Athletic Club to get behind the Stawell Gift.
FEBRUARY
Eaton eyes off a return to the track by the end of the month after breaking her nose in January.
Riding the coat-tails of the success of AFLW, a Wimmera based girls football league is organised. Stawell is selected as one of eight teams to play in the inaugural season.
Terry and Karina O’Sullivan trained Patch Adams storms home to win the 2017 Colac Gold Cup.
Swifts make a return to A Grade netball with new coach Courtney Morrow getting training started.
Heidi Sudholz and Johanna Kelly sign on with Stawell’s A Grade netball team.
Aiden Lee leaves Navarre after four successful years to join Great Western.
MARCH
Jeremy ‘The Answer’ Joiner extends his great start to his mixed martial arts career, defeating Marcin Chalupa in Adelaide at Diamondback Fight Championships 2. Joiner extended his career record to five wins and no losses.
Stawell Warriors footballers Jackson Taurau and Naish McRoberts make the final cut for the 2017 Greater Western Victoria Rebels TAC Cup squad.
Swifts impress in a pre-season game against Great Western.
Swifts junior footballer Sam Chatfield selected in the Western Bulldogs Next Generation Academy.
The Transport Accident Commission signs on as a major sponsor of the 2017 Stawell Gift, receiving exclusive naming rights to the 1600 metre TAC Herb Hedemann Invitational.
Navarre takes on Tatyoon in practice matches to prepare for a shot at fifth consecutive senior football and A Grade netball premierships.
