Indoor Sports Victoria crown winners

With close to 300 guests in attendance, two national titles were celebrated after the men’s over-40’s and open women’s teams defeated Queensland in their respective finals throughout the year.

The coveted Ross Gregory Medal was awarded to Springvale’s Lance MacDougall, who was a runaway leader.

Following in the footsteps of Commonwealth Bank Bushranger Clive Rose, who claimed last year’s award, MacDougall polled 72 votes to see off clubmate Rodney Bird (52) and Croydon’s Aaron Mackenzie (38).

The Richard Fisher Inspiration award for the state’s best junior player was also announced with, Lachlan King, a deserving recipient after being acknowledged for showing the characteristics of courage, leadership, initiative and potential in the under-14 boys team.

Teammate Jack Budd was runner-up for a second occasion.

The Zones club champion team was awarded to the Magic after they defeated the Eagles in a close contest, with gold state pins received by Samantha Ritchie, Peter Gigliotti, Terry Atkinson, Kate Matonia, Janelle Hayhurst, Josh Gregory, Lance McDougall and Paul Baum.

Special mention was made to Briony Polkinghorne, who collected two player-of-the-series awards, along with her All-Australian selections.

The most popular winner of the evening, however, was the John Carr Hall of Fame inductee, Theo Arnold from the Lord Taverners.

Having played 19 consecutive tournaments, Arnold once again was selected in the All-Australian team in 2012.