Ballarat Sportsmen's Association of Australia Associates will name the 2009 recipient of the prestigious award at a dinner at Midlands Golf Club tonight.

Reese is of one three finalists in contention.

Racewalker Rachel Tallent and Kyokushin karate's Shannyn Johnstone-Ward have also been nominated for the award, which was first presented in 1975.

Reese has been Sportswoman of the Year for four of the past five years - 2004, 2006, 2007 and 2008.

She was twice the Ballarat Sportsgirl of the Year - 1997 and 1998 - which is another of the awards to be announced tonight.

A year ago Reese emulated badminton player Kellie Lucas and rower Emily Martin, who have each won Ballarat's top award for female athletes on four occasions.

Other multiple winners include runner Sharon Stewart (three), powerlifter Leanne Johnson (three), and basketballers Robyn Gull (two) and Allison Cook (two).

Reese is coming off another stellar year.

Two relay medals at the World Swimming Championships provided her highlights.

Reese was a silver medallist in the 4x100-metre medley and claimed bronze in the 4x100 freestyle.

Her year also featured a gold medal in the 4x100m medley relay at the national titles, and silver medal in the 4x100m medley in the Australia v United States "Duel in the Pool".

Johnstone-Ward, who was also a finalist in this award 12 months ago, won the Australian middleweight division (full contact) title and New Zealand heavyweight division (full contact) title.

She also earned selection in the Australian team for the 2010 Kyokushin Karate World Cup in Spain.

Tallent has been honoured at these awards in the past, with the Blackbourn Encouragement Award in 2006 and Sportsgirl of the Year a year ago.

This is her first time as a finalist for the open award.

Tallent was a gold medallist in the under-17 girls' 5000m walk at the Australian All Schools and Youth Track and Field Championships.

This followed dual success at the Australian Racewalking Championships - winning the under-20 10km and under-18 5km.

Tallent is now eyeing the world junior titles in Canada.

As well as the Sportswoman of the Year, Sports Girl of the Year and Blackbourn Encouragement Award, the Sports Administrator Award will also be presented.

Legendary AFL and Richmond premiership coach Tom Hafey is guest speaker.