Mitchell received the honour – presented by the Ballarat Associates Branch of the Sportsmen's Association of Australia – previously in 2010, 2013 and 2014.

She edged out fellow finalists Kolbe Poole (eight ball), Rachel Tallent (race walking) and Kaitlyn Ashmore (football) to claim the trophy.

Mitchell now takes over the role of defending champion from jockey Michelle Payne, who won the award last year.

The 34-year-old Mitchell enjoyed a brilliant 2016 that was highlighted by a memorable effort on the biggest stage of them all. A throw of 64.36m helped her finish sixth in the final of the women’s javelin at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, where she placed less than 2m behind gold medal winner Sara Kolak from Croatia.

Numerous placings in IAAF Diamond League events throughout the year saw Mitchell finish second overall on the leaderboard at season’s end.

She also won two events on the IAAF World Challenge tour.

In the acceptance speech, Mitchell reflected on the year and thanked her coach Uwe Hohn, who she credits for her rise up the world ranks.

“I met him six years ago and he was really the turnaround of my career,” she said.

“The last six years have been the best of my life. I’m not a young athlete anymore, but it doesn’t mean I still can’t compete well on the world stage.”

Mitchell was also full of praise for the city’s ability to produce sporting stars on a large scale.

“The depth that we have and have had of sportspeople in general – men and women – coming out of Ballarat is just amazing,” Mitchell said.

“It’s year after year. There’s always something written that they are representing the sport on a world stage.”

Mitchell’s award was the highlight of a big night at St Patrick’s College, where more than 200 people turned out for the function.

Businesswoman, philanthropist and women’s football pioneer Susan Alberti was in attendance as the special guest.