Women's Select Duo Split Olympic Awards
Words: Matt Dorman
Image: Olympic FC
PlayStation® 4 NPL Queensland Women's Select pair Katie Ronan and midfielder Nat Tathem have shared Olympic FC Women’s individual honours at the club’s awards presentation on Friday night.
Goalkeeper Ronan earned the title of Best and Fairest for her breakthrough 2015, while Tathem’s leadership in central midfield was rewarded with the Players’ Player award.
Teenager Bronte Watson also received recognition as Most Improved having cemented a starting berth in central defence.
Ronan defied her own young years to win regular appearances for Olympic and shared the praise with her teammates.
“I know I’ve improved but you can never perfect anything,” the 16-year-old said.
“Stepping up to the women’s and performing, it was good. The girls helped guide me along.”
Tathem, who netted four times this term, took on extra responsibility in the second half of the season when she stepped in as captain in place of the injured Alycia Clayton.
The 19-year-old hopes this year will prove to be a platform for a Finals Series tilt in 2016.
“Since stepping up to women’s football it’s probably one of the best years I’ve had,” Tathem said.
“It’s great motivation for me to come back next year and try even harder, not just for myself but for my teammates as well.”
With training and matches held at the club’s home base this season, Tathem pointed to the team’s greater integration at Goodwin Park as an important part of their identity.
“Here at Olympic I think we’re more involved in the whole club culture with all the different teams,” she said.
“Also a lot of the girls have been involved with helping training of the younger girls so I think that’s been a really good thing.”
Forward Jessica McLean’s 10 goals netted her the Golden Boot ahead of Lizzy Doherty while Youth Women’s product and Brisbane Roar/QAS NTC member Elizabeth Schiavo was named Junior Player of the Year.
Olympic FC 2015 Women’s and Girls Award Recipients:
Senior Women
Best And Fairest - Katie Ronan
Players' Player - Natalie Tathem
Most Improved - Bronte Watson
Golden Boot - Jessica McLean
Youth Women
Best and Fairest - Mikaela DiSavia
Players' Player - Eva Foran
Most Improved - Dominique Polglase
Under 15 Girls
Best and Fairest - Emily Ibell
Players' Player - Teani Karalouka
Most Improved - Taliesha Derrick
Under 13 Girls
Best and Fairest - Charli Knott
Players' Player - Adelaide Pearson
Most Improved - Abbey Anstey-Walsh
Junior Player of the Year - Elizabeth Schiavo
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