More than 30 athletes names as finalists across four divisions in 2024 Albany Sportsperson of the Year awards

Finalists for the 2024 Wellington and Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year awards have been revealed ahead of Thursday’s nights gala ceremony. A total of 36 athletes have been announced as finalists across four categories, headlined by the Wellington and Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year. That major award is in its second year after AFL ruckman Darcy Cameron was the inaugural recipient for his premiership winning 2023 campaign with Collingwood. Cameron is again nominated for the 2024 honour that will be announced at Retravision Stadium. National volleyball representative Ryan Slater, star AFL defender Jeremy McGovern, emerging WA fast bowler Bryce Jackson and AFL mid-season draftee Jacob Blight are also in contention. The sportsperson of the year was introduced in 2023 and is open to high-level State, national or international-level athletes that may not live in Albany but have been a resident here for at least two years. The awards will also see a junior, senior and masters winner announced. The masters category has been renamed, previously recognised as the veterans category. A massive list of 15 finalists are in the running for the Retravision Junior Albany Sportsperson of the Year award. There are seven athletes chasing the J&S Castlehow Electrical Services Senior Albany Sportsperson of the Year title while nine finalists are named in the Sound Life Financial Services Masters Albany Sportsperson of the Year. Keely Berry (basketball and netball), Harry Watters (basketball), Mason Watkins (athletics), Shelley Thompson (soccer), Abbey O’Donnell (mountain biking), Amelia McDonald (equestrian), Caleb Benson (athletics), Jessica Baines (soccer), Ben Blechynden (hockey), Natalie Simpson (netball), Ruby Welsh (gymnastics), Ryan Lazar (football), Tea Zizek (tennis), Tatum Whalley (basketball) and Gladis Markey (weightlifting) are the junior finalists. Shawah Jin (muay thai), Darren Parkes (hockey), Ryley Valli (football), Kathryn Slattery (hockey), Matt Mitchell (bowls), Nathan Crudeli (cricket) and Damien McAleese (triathlon) are the senior finalists. Yvonne Shalders (bowls), Barbara Wilson (athletics), Bethwyn Hearle (surf lifesaving), Brett Hall (football), Ian Beeck (football), Peter Muller (athletics), Steve Hurley (shooting), Michelle Sailsbury (crossfit), Wayne Green (triathlon) are the masters finalists. The awards will be announced at a gala ceremony on Thursday with retired Australian paralympic swimmer Ellie Cole and four-time NBL champion Greg Hire the guest speakers. 2024 FINALISTS Wellington and Reeves Albany Sportsperson of the Year Darcy Cameron (football) Ryan Slater (volleyball) Jeremy McGovern (football) Bryce Jackson (cricket) Jacob Blight (football) Retravision Junior Sportsperson of the Year Keely Berry (basketball and netball) Harry Watters (basketball) Mason Watkins (athletics) Shelley Thompson (soccer) Abbey O’Donnell (mountain biking) Amelia McDonald (equestrian) Caleb Benson (athletics) Jessica Baines (soccer) Ben Blechynden (hockey) Natalie Simpson (netball) Ruby Welsh (gymnastics) Ryan Lazar (football) Tea Zizek (tennis) Tatum Whalley (basketball) Gladis Markey (weightlifting) J&S Castlehow Electrical Services Senior Albany Sportsperson of the Year Shawah Jin (muay thai) Darren Parkes (hockey) Ryley Valli (football) Kathryn Slattery (hockey) Matt Mitchell (bowls) Nathan Crudeli (cricket) Damien McAleese (triathlon) Sound Life Financial Services Masters Albany Sportsperson of the Year Yvonne Shalders (bowls) Barbara Wilson (athletics) Bethwyn Hearle (surf lifesaving) Brett Hall (football) Ian Beeck (football) Peter Muller (athletics) Steve Hurley (shooting) Michelle Sailsbury (crossfit) Wayne Green (triathlon)