Best in the region in line-up for trophy

Another South West athlete will join an illustrious group when the 2016 South Western Times AJ “Tood” Buswell Sports Star of the Year is announced on Wednesday.

A strong field of 12 finalists has been scrutinised by five judges to determine which premier athlete will be given the prestigious annual award.

This year’s finalists include 2016 winner Josh Risdon, who once again had a fantastic year captaining Perth Glory as well as playing for the Socceroos.

Olympians Ryan Bailie, Lauren Reynolds and Alexandra Hagan have also been named finalists this year after heading to Rio de Janeiro for the world’s biggest sporting event, as have Paralympic equestrienne Sharon Jarvis and recently-retired runner Brad Scott.

Bunbury-raised Fremantle Docker Connor Blakely is also a finalist, having been nominated for the NAB Rising Star in Round 11 of the AFL season, as well as winning the Simpson Medal in Peel Thunder’s first WAFL premiership. Jockey Lucy Warwick was also a certain finalist after a sensational start to 2016, winning the Pinjarra and Albany Cup aboard Zarantz, as well as Wink And A Nod to claim the $150,000 Belmont Sprint (1400m) on May 28 and the $150,000 Hyperion Stakes (1600m) on June 11.

Sprintcar driver Brad Maiolo had one of his best seasons behind the wheel and has been justly nominated for his fantastic year which is continuing in 2017.

Last year’s Hayward Medallist, Eaton Boomers vice-captain Jace Cormack, was rewarded for a strong year on the football field, while Nathaniel May is once again nominated after yet another undefeated year in the boxing ring.

Capping off the finalists is Colts batsman Murray Goodwin, who was an undeniable finalist due to the sheer weight of runs he scored at the back end of the 2015-16 Bunbury and Districts Cricket Association season, as well as his strong start to this season.

The winner will be announced at the presentation evening at the City of Bunbury on Wednesday night, with three-time winner Brad Blake to be the special guest speaker.