Churchill Baseball Club - October 2025

Braves celebrate record season at 2025 Presentation Night

The Churchill Baseball Club capped off a record-breaking year with a memorable Presentation Night that drew nearly 150 people to the Morwell Club. The evening was a celebration of community, growth, and recognition for the players, volunteers, and families who make the Braves such a special part of the Latrobe Valley.

Club Culture and Growth

In his President’s Report, Gregg Duncan reflected on a season that saw the Braves field eight teams — four juniors and four seniors — the highest in the LVBA. Highlights included the U16s going through the season undefeated, the U13 Gold team winning a premiership, and two senior sides reaching their Grand Finals.

Off the field, the club continued to thrive, raising more than $3,000 on Pink Sports Day for BCNA, launching a players and members handbook, investing in new safety nets and lighting, and expanding its junior development pathway

“Our culture is built on respect, being family friendly, and enjoyment — and this season showed those values at their best,” Duncan said.

Honouring decades of service

The club’s highest honour, Club Legend, was awarded to Tony Dickinson. Already a Life Member since 1982, Tony has continued to serve the club in almost every role imaginable — President, Treasurer, Secretary, Coach, Vice President, fundraiser, scorer, and canteen worker

In another emotional moment, Carol Dickinson was surprised with Life Membership, recognising her five decades of service — from sewing the club’s first uniforms to running fundraisers, scoring, and contributing to committee and assisting in the canteen.

Volunteers at the heart

The Club Person of the Year award went to Ashleigh Hartwig, whose tireless work as secretary, scorer, fundraiser and organiser was described as “the heartbeat of the club”

Rising Stars and Junior Pathways

The inaugural Rising Star Award went to Beau Saddington, who hit .655, struck out 74 batters, and threw a semi-final no-hitter in only his second year of baseball.

The U10s thrived under Dan and Kayla McKinnon.

The U13 program was strong enough to field two sides. The U13 Gold side capped off a premiership year, and U13 Green showed great development across the season.

The U16’s Capped off a perfect season taking out the Premiership in an undefeated season.

Trophy Winners – 2025

The night also celebrated the outstanding efforts of individual players across every grade:

Club Awards

Best Club Person – Ashleigh Hartwig (Churchill Hotel)

Senior Club Most Improved – Mat Howden (Gippsland Motor Group)

Junior Rising Star – Beau Saddington (Gippsland Motor Group)

Players’ Player – Jacob Gruis and Dan McKinnon

A Grade (sponsored by Bunyip Equipment)

Best and Fairest – Jarrod Thomas

Batting Average – Danny Cannizzaro (.447)

Coaches Award – Rhys McKenzie

B Grade

Best and Fairest – Rhys McKenzie

Batting Average – Brad Jones (.400)

Coaches Award – Riley Duncan

C Grade Gold (sponsored by Homeguard Pest Control)

Best and Fairest – Mat Howden

Batting Average – Sam Gillett (.528)

Coaches Award – Blake Duncan

C Grade Green (sponsored by Homeguard Pest Control)

Best and Fairest – Liam Duncan

Batting Average – Liam Duncan (.581)

Most Improved – Jacob Gruis and Duane White

U16s (sponsored by ETU Victoria)

Best and Fairest – Blake Duncan

Batting Average – Jack Thomas (.933)

Best Team Player – Coadhey Rebbechi

Participation Awards – Conner Gray, Connor McKenzie, Hunter Duncan, Cadel Schwalger, Blake McKinnon, Beau Saddington, Talia McKinnon

U13 Gold (sponsored by Norm Oliver Meats)

Best and Fairest – Beau Saddington

Batting Average – Zack Holwerda (.786)

Most Improved – Jake Holwerda

Participation Awards – Hudson Duncan, Jack Giddins, Ethan Boka, Dylan Boka, Lara Duncan, Jackson Holcombe, Hunter Duncan

U13 Green (sponsored by Norm Oliver Meats)

Best and Fairest – Murphy Giles

Batting Average – Royden Williams (.478)

Most Improved – Luna Butcher

Participation Awards – Nicholas Spicer-Morris, Finn Brown, Keiran Swallow, Ollie McIntosh, Jarryd Whiston, Leah Gruis, Talia McKinnon, Paige McKinnon

U10s (sponsored by Morwell Bowling Club)

Participation Awards – Logan Dehommel-Pulham, Annalise Williams, Zayne McKinnon, Zarah Russ, Bailey Holwerda, Arlo Burrowes, Ruby Gillett, Wade Norton, Morgan Britt, Harrison Holcombe, Lexi Gruis, Addison Roncari Smith, Graeme Lloyd Gillett, Paige McKinnon, Luna Butcher, Leah Gruis,

Looking Ahead

With membership sitting at 99, the highest in the LVBA, the Braves are on the cusp of triple figures for the first time in history

The club is also preparing for the long-awaited move to Gaskin Park, including hosting LVBA Semi Finals in 2026 and the Grand Final in 2027

As President Gregg Duncan closed, he summed up the spirit of the night:

“From our youngest Braves to our legends, this club is built on people giving their time, their energy, and their love of the game. That’s what makes the Churchill Braves family so special.”