Sportsperson of the year finalists announced

RIVERLAND sport’s night of nights is set to return on Saturday, November 22, when the region’s sporting elite, and those in the know gather to celebrate the best of the best.

The 5RM, Natural Fractions, Berri Hotel Sportsperson of the Year Awards dinner highlights the region’s sporting stars in a number of categories, with the upcoming 60th edition at the Berri Hotel set to be as big as ever.

Finalists have been chosen for the Almondco John Ormsby Coach of the Year, Almondco Steve McFarlane Contribution to Sport, Magic 93.1 Rivergum Christian College Peter Frankcom Junior Sports Star, and the prestigious 5RM, Natural Fractions, Berri Hotel Sportsperson of the Year award, while Tom Wickham will be officially inducted as a Graham Charlton Legend in Sport.

A new award will feature in the 2026 edition, with the Wendy Gambling Sporting Icon Award to be unveiled, with the first recipient none other than Graham Charlton, who devoted decades to Riverland sport.

A fiercely competitive group of senior finalists headlines the main ballot. Elite hockey star Dakota O’Callaghan leads the field alongside target rifle marksman Mark Cresp, cricket standout Daniel Zdanowicz, and masters rower Tom Sullivan.

Basketball powerhouses Shaya Whitbourne and Kieran Hahn represent the courts, while lawn bowls is highlighted by champion Cody Letton.

The winter codes boast a stellar turnout, featuring Riverland football stars in Justin Bonney and Bailey White, netball powerhouse Courtney Tschirpig, hockey player Logan Bowers, and soccer stalwarts Damien Crettenden and Sophie Angeleski, alongside baseballer David Grenfell.

The event heavily emphasises youth development and volunteer infrastructure through its specialised categories.

In the Peter Frankcom Junior Sports Star bracket, exceptional emerging names like Jarred Lawrie (cycling), Samuel DePalma (football), Meg Kassulke (netball), Marley Fridd (baseball), Cadel Dalzell (water skiing), Mackenzie Pitt (basketball), and multi-sport talents Indy Venning and Shaya Whitbourne demonstrate the depth of the region’s rising generations.

Logan Bowers also pulls double duty here, bridging the gap between youth and senior divisions.

Simultaneously, the Almondco John Ormsby Coach of the Year category honours strategic mentors Kristy Reid (netball), Todd Kitto (hockey), Nadia Kruger (tennis), and Neville Jenke (bowls) for their countless voluntary hours steering local clubs.

The crucial Contribution to Sport Award recognizes the backbone of Riverland athletics, celebrating finalists Michael Kassebaum (swimming), Chrissy Eleftheriadis (basketball and netball), and Rachel Dunn (football trainer) for their relentless dedication.

The weekend’s ceremony at the Berri Hotel will see winners crowned in all categories, while the induction of a sporting icon and legend will highlight the evening. AUSTINN LANE

RIVERLAND sport’s night of nights is set to return on Saturday, November 22, when the region’s sporting elite, and those in the know gather to celebrate the best of the best.

The 5RM, Natural Fractions, Berri Hotel Sportsperson of the Year Awards dinner highlights the region’s sporting stars in a number of categories, with the upcoming 60th edition at the Berri Hotel set to be as big as ever.

Finalists have been chosen for the Almondco John Ormsby Coach of the Year, Almondco Steve McFarlane Contribution to Sport, Magic 93.1 Rivergum Christian College Peter Frankcom Junior Sports Star, and the prestigious 5RM, Natural Fractions, Berri Hotel Sportsperson of the Year award, while Tom Wickham will be officially inducted as a Graham Charlton Legend in Sport.

A new award will feature in the 2026 edition, with the Wendy Gambling Sporting Icon Award to be unveiled, with the first recipient none other than Graham Charlton, who devoted decades to Riverland sport.

A fiercely competitive group of senior finalists headlines the main ballot. Elite hockey star Dakota O’Callaghan leads the field alongside target rifle marksman Mark Cresp, cricket standout Daniel Zdanowicz, and masters rower Tom Sullivan.

Basketball powerhouses Shaya Whitbourne and Kieran Hahn represent the courts, while lawn bowls is highlighted by champion Cody Letton.

The winter codes boast a stellar turnout, featuring Riverland football stars in Justin Bonney and Bailey White, netball powerhouse Courtney Tschirpig, hockey player Logan Bowers, and soccer stalwarts Damien Crettenden and Sophie Angeleski, alongside baseballer David Grenfell.

The event heavily emphasises youth development and volunteer infrastructure through its specialised categories.

In the Peter Frankcom Junior Sports Star bracket, exceptional emerging names like Jarred Lawrie (cycling), Samuel DePalma (football), Meg Kassulke (netball), Marley Fridd (baseball), Cadel Dalzell (water skiing), Mackenzie Pitt (basketball), and multi-sport talents Indy Venning and Shaya Whitbourne demonstrate the depth of the region’s rising generations.

Logan Bowers also pulls double duty here, bridging the gap between youth and senior divisions.

Simultaneously, the Almondco John Ormsby Coach of the Year category honours strategic mentors Kristy Reid (netball), Todd Kitto (hockey), Nadia Kruger (tennis), and Neville Jenke (bowls) for their countless voluntary hours steering local clubs.

The crucial Contribution to Sport Award recognizes the backbone of Riverland athletics, celebrating finalists Michael Kassebaum (swimming), Chrissy Eleftheriadis (basketball and netball), and Rachel Dunn (football trainer) for their relentless dedication.

The weekend’s ceremony at the Berri Hotel will see winners crowned in all categories, while the induction of a sporting icon and legend will highlight the evening.