Celebrating an Outstanding 2026 Season at the Diamond Valley Eagles Senior Presentation Night
The Diamond Valley Basketball Association proudly celebrated another remarkable year of Eagles basketball at the 2026 Senior Presentation Night, recognising the achievements of our Under 20, Youth League and NBL1 South programs.
The 2026 awards winners are:
Under 20 women
Coaches Award – MACKENZIE HALL
DPOY – JOANNA HORE
MVP – ALANNAH GASPARINI
Under 20 Men
Coaches Award – RYAN CARR
DPOY – BLAKE FERGUSON
MVP – KAYDEN RAMIREZ
Youth League Women
Coaches Award – ANNALIESE DRISCOLL
DPOY – AMY LIST
MVP – TAHLIA LEESON
Youth League Men
Coaches Award – BLAKE FERGUSON
DPOY – MARLEY LAMBERT
MVP – MAX TATTER
NBL1 South Women
Coaches Award – SOPHIE BYRNES
DPOY – ALEX SHARP
MVP – ABBEY ELLIS
NBL1 South Men
Coaches Award – ALEK BANDILOVSKI
DPOY – NOAH TODD
MVP – MIRKO DJERIC
Success Across Every Level
The 2026 season showcased the strength of the Eagles pathway, with success achieved across every senior program.
Our Under 20 Women’s and Men’s teams secured finals appearances, continuing to demonstrate the strength of our emerging talent. The Women’s VC Reserves also remain in the championship hunt heading into the final weekend of the season.
The Victorian Youth Championship programs continued their impressive rise, led by coaches Michael Fortune and Dan Girolami. The Youth Championship Women produced an outstanding 18-4 record to finish as minor premiers, highlighting the exceptional culture and commitment built throughout the season.
In NBL1 South, both senior programs once again represented the Eagles with pride. The NBL1 Men competed strongly in a tough conference, while the NBL1 Women have secured a second consecutive Preliminary Final appearance and remained firmly in championship contention.
Individual Excellence Recognised
We also celebrated the outstanding achievements of Eagles players and coaches who received league-wide recognition this season.
Congratulations to:
- Big V Award Nominees
- Tahlia Leeson – All-Star Five
- Amy List – Defensive Player of the Year
- Michael Fortune – Coach of the Year
- NBL1 South Honours
- Abbey Ellis – First Team
- Mirko Djeric – Golden Hands Award
- Dee Butler – Coach of the Year nominee
- Alex Sharp – Defensive Player of the Year nominee
- Ryley Haywood – Youth Player of the Year nominee
- Archer Woodhill – Youth Player of the Year nominee
These honours are a testament not only to individual excellence but also to the strength of the Diamond Valley Eagles program and the culture that continues to drive success.
A Season Built on Culture
General Manager Pat Di Lizio reflected on the importance of culture throughout the association, highlighting the Youth League Women’s program as an example of what can be achieved when players and coaches unite behind a shared vision.
He praised Head Coach Michael Fortune and his coaching staff for creating an environment where players embraced the challenge, worked tirelessly and ultimately earned the title of minor premiers.
Pat also acknowledged the incredible journey of the NBL1 Women’s program under Head Coach Dee Butler, recognising the leadership, commitment and belief that has helped establish the team as one of the competition’s benchmark programs.
Celebrating Our Community
While the awards recognised outstanding individual performances, the evening served as a reminder that every achievement is made possible by the collective efforts of players, coaches, team managers, volunteers, officials, families, sponsors and supporters.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 award winners and every member of the Diamond Valley Basketball Association who contributed throughout the year.
