On the most immediately Shepparton-centric note, Goulburn Valley Suns spearhead Callum Schorah has added a major new accolade to his haul after a remarkable late surge saw the McEwen Reserve inhabitants avoid relegation in the Victorian Premier League 2.
Having already shared the league’s Golden Boot award alongside Essendon Royals’ Prince Jordan Adeyemi, with the pair notching 15 goals apiece in 2024, Schorah now sits above all comers after claiming the VPL2 best-and-fairest award.
The award capped off a remarkable campaign from the English import, described earlier in the season by coach Craig Carley as “one of the best” to grace the club in his time in charge of the Orangemen.
On the national stage, there was more delight for the Suns community with a high-achieving alum in Leia Varley securing a move interstate to A-League Women’s outfit Brisbane Roar.
The Shepparton product joins her third A-League club ahead of season 2024-25 after plying her trade at eventual premiers Melbourne City last campaign, where she made five senior appearances.
Speaking to the Roar website, Varley expressed a full slate of optimism that her new allies in orange could repeat the success she enjoyed as a premiership winner last season as she re-aligns with one-time City coach Alex Smith.
“I’m beyond grateful to sign with Brisbane this season,” Varley said.
“The club has a rich history of producing unbelievable players and I cannot wait to put on the orange jersey.
“Seeing the team in the environment that Alex is building this season really excited me about Brisbane. Having worked under Alex before, I am excited to see how much more I can learn under him.
“Everyone saw the glimpses of what the team could achieve last year and this year I think it’s only going to be better.
“This season, I’m ready to really make a name for myself in the league. Having felt what it’s like to win as premiers last year, it also only makes me want to achieve more and I believe Brisbane this season can go the whole way.”
