Ballarat Eureka Strikers captain Nat Barbara is in the United States furthering her soccer career, but was the toast of the state league club on Friday night.
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Barbara was named the Strikers’ senior best and fairest for the second-straight season, winning the top honour from runner-up Claire Demuth.
Demuth finished the count on 30 votes, well behind Barbara, who polled 73 from just 13 games.
Barbara, who generally plays through the midfield, has recently taken up a soccer scholarship at Clayton State University in Atlanta, Georgia.
She left Australia during the Football Federation Victoria women’s state league two season, which saw Ballarat finish in fourth spot on the north-west table.
Sophie Emota collected the Strikers’ leading goal-scorer award on Friday night. Emota found the back of the net eight times in season 2018.
Alysha Reisacher won the coach’s award given out by Adam Vranesic.
“She really stood up this year, worked really hard and I played her down back instead of up front, which she hasn't done before,” Vranesic said.
Ash Blackburn was named most consistent and Maddy Vranesic awarded the player’s player honour.
The club also handed out awards to its Ballarat and District Soccer Association senior team.
League best and fairest Megan Armstrong doubled up with the top club honour, Chloe Musik was rated most improved and Grace Toohey and Eliza Schembri won coach’s awards.
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