Michaela Meade
Mernda’s Natalie Todaro is celebrating a double win, having been awarded the Northern Football League division 3 best and fairest trophy, and the gong for division 3 coaches’ MVP.
Todaro said it was amazing to be recognised for both honours, and that she felt supported by her community.
“After the vote count I had a lot of people reach out to congratulate me and felt a lot of support and love from my team, friends and family,” Todaro said.
“That was really the best part for me, to see that I had so many supporters and people that were proud of me.
“It was a bit exciting seeing my name on the screen because I’ve never gotten any footy awards outside my club.
“So being recognised by the NFL coaches and umpires was really a great feeling.”
Todaro took out the best and fairest trophy with 16 votes. Valiecia Kelly-Briggs from the Fitzroy Stars came in second with 12 votes.
Todaro was recognised as the coaches’ MVP with 61 votes. Kiera Hunter from Laurimar claimed 49 votes, finishing second.
“There are so many amazing players in division 3 and so much new talent coming from my own team and others like Fitzroy Stars,” Todaro said.
“There were so many other deserving women who could have easily taken out the awards.
“I was definitely not surprised to see my teammate and best friend Awek Dut on the leaderboard for both awards as well!
“She is an absolute gun of a footballer and [an] all round amazing person. I’m so proud of her achievements this year.”
Dut secured fifth place in the run for coaches’ MVP, and equal fourth place for the best and fairest of the division 3 season.
Todaro said a standout moment for her this season, despite multiple lockdowns, was Mernda’s round three game against Banyule.
“That was the first time where I felt like I stepped up against a really competitive side and made an impact in the game,” Todaro said.
“I was so proud of all of my teammates who put everything out in that game and put their bodies on the line for each other – the teamwork and camaraderie was amazing.”
Todaro said the season had proven difficult because of lockdowns, but that her team had powered through.
“We all faced so many challenges with our fitness and mental health when training/games were cancelled and gyms were closed,” she said.
“For myself, footy and exercise is my way of dealing with stress and maintaining my mental health. So each time we went into lockdown was very tough on me.
“But my team found great ways of dealing with this.”
