The Big Rivers Football League (BRFL) gathered at the Katherine Country Club on Saturday evening to celebrate the 2025 Doug Kelly Medal presentation, recognising the league’s best and fairest players, leading goal kickers, and other contributors.
In the men’s division, Katherine Camels midfielder-forward Daniel Vercoe capped off a strong season by claiming the 2025 Doug Kelly Medal with 14 votes. Arnhem Crows’ Ashanti Bush delivered a standout season to take home the Women’s Best and Fairest with 12 votes.
Daniel Vercoe’s season was one to remember. He polled in five matches to secure the Doug Kelly Medal, including three best-on-ground performances where he received the maximum three votes, and also finished as the BRFL’s leading goal kicker, slotting 32 goals in 10 games.
Highlights included a remarkable 10-goal performance in Round 6 against Ngaliwurru Lions, along with several other three- and four-goal games. Vercoe previously claimed the Doug Kelly Medal in 2021, and his versatility across midfield and forward has made him a key contributor for the Camels throughout the season.
Arnhem Crows’ Kiefin Mardi (12 votes) finished runner-up in the Doug Kelly Medal count, while Katherine Saints’ Liam Holt-Fitz (10 votes) completed the top three.
Arnhem Crows’ Ashanti Bush took out the Women’s Best and Fairest, polling 12 votes over 9 matches.
She earned three best-on-ground performances with maximum 3-vote games, showcasing her speed, skill, and ability to influence matches. Bush previously played in the NAB AFLW competition with the Gold Coast SUNS, bringing top-level experience to the BRFL. She edged out Katherine South’s Harriet Rowe (10 votes) and Eastside’s Jayde De La Coeur (10 votes).
Adding to the Crows’ strong season, Lynelle Ahfat was named Women’s Leading Goal Kicker after booting 33 goals in 10 games. She started the season with six goals in Round 1 against Ngukurr Bulldogs, and matched that tally in Round 10 against Katherine South, consistently providing a scoring threat for her team.
Leaderboards
2025 BRFL Doug Kelly Medal (Men’s Best and Fairest):
14 votes – Daniel Vercoe (Katherine Camels)
12 votes – Kiefin Mardi (Arnhem Crows)
10 votes – Liam Holt-Fitz (Katherine Saints)
8 votes – Kurt Silver (Ngukurr)
7 votes – Tyrese Raymond (Garrak Bombers)
6 votes – Ricky Walsh (Katherine Camels), Jake Farrell (Ngukurr), Traven Shields (Arnhem Crows), Jordan Thompson (Katherine Camels)
2025 BRFL Women’s Best and Fairest:
12 votes – Ashanti Bush (Arnhem Crows)
10 votes – Harriet Rowe (Katherine South)
10 votes – Jayde De La Coeur (Eastside)
6 votes – Charlee Byers (Eastside), Jenna Singh-Lippo (Arnhem Crows), Alex Antonio (Katherine Camels), Lynelle Ahfat (Arnhem Crows), Janita Robertson (Ngukurr)
Leading Goal Kickers:
Senior Men – 32 goals – Daniel Vercoe (Katherine Camels)
Senior Women – 33 goals – Lynelle Ahfat (Arnhem Crows)
League Awards:
Club of the Year: Arnhem Crows Football Club
Junior Umpire of the Year: Finley Lovering
Umpire of the Year: Michael Wellington
Volunteer of the Year: Madison Hohn (Katherine South)