17/08/2026
2026 Highlanders — Signing Off ❤️🖤🤍
And just like that, we officially sign off on 2026 — our massive 50th year of the Ballarat Highlanders!
What a year it has been. Full of hard work, big moments, plenty of laughs and, most importantly, plenty of Highlanders spirit.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for Awards Day Saturday and helped us celebrate such a special year. It was the perfect way to finish our 50th year.
And of course, a massive congratulations to all of our award winners! 🏆👏🏼
🏆 Phil Brisbane Award – Most Improved Player
Toby Pearse
-Toby made the move from 7 to the wing early in the season and quickly established himself as our first-choice winger. His work rate, kick chase, fearless defence and attacking ability continued to grow throughout the season, earning him selection in the Vic Country squad. A well-deserved award after an outstanding season.
🏆 Team Man of the Year
Luke Polmear
-After a three-year break, Polmy returned expecting a “minor bench role” and quickly found himself back in the 23 every week. His leadership, reliability and impact were huge, but it was what he brought off the field that really stood out. From team manager to culture king, Luke was the glue of the squad all season.
🏆 Pylanda Award – Best Back
Mitch Cattell
-After seven years away from the game, Mitch returned and immediately stepped into a leadership role at 10. Competitive, fearless and never willing to take a backwards step, he dominated with his huge left boot, goal kicking, attacking ability and big defence. He finished as our top point scorer with 124 points and earned Vic Country Training Squad selection.
🏆 Best Forward
Peter Leighton
-Pete had big shoes this year, with President, Coaching and Captain roles. But none of that impacted his form, as week in and week out he fronted for 80 minutes in the front row. Incredible in the set peice, tireless in work rate, exceptional in leadership, Pete delivered. His usual dynamic attacking ability was on show all season, and his defence got more impactful each week, rounding him into a complete player finishing as our top try scorer with 9 tries, runner-up Best & Fairest and earning Vic Country Training Squad selection.
🏆 Rookie of the Year
George Fonmoa
-George arrived late in pre-season and immediately showed his quality, attitude and rugby IQ. After an early injury, he returned in Round 4 and became a reliable and impactful presence in the forwards. Fearless at the jackal, solid at set piece and tough as nails — we were very lucky he knocked on our door this season!
🏆 Players’ Player / Best & Fairest
Storrs Ualesi
-Storrs returned for his first full season since 2024, and immediately made an impact in the preseason with his leadership, drawing players in to join the club with his presence. At trainings, he always showed his leadership and skills. On gamedays, he showed his ferocity, impact on all facets of the game and his ability to win moments. He grew this year in defence, and maturity, and combined it with being fearless, talented and relentless, showed everyone again why he could be one of the best players to have ever played for the Highlanders.and has also earned Vic Country Training Squad selection.
🏆 Finals Best on Ground
Frank “Will” Card
-At just 19 years old and playing fullback for only the fourth time, Frank delivered a performance for the ages. Rock solid under the high ball, fearless in defence and willing in attack, he helped keep us in the fight with three try-saving plays. A huge performance from a young player with a massive future.
🏆 Impact Player of the Year
Siona Vaiotu
-Siona quickly showed the coaches his attitude, rugby IQ and ability to change a game. His impact coming off the bench became a huge weapon against tiring defences, culminating in a destructive finals performance that helped bring us back into the contest.
🏆 Terry Terrific Award – Clubperson of the Year
Kaelyn Leighton
- Kaelyn went above and beyond again this season, not only doing all the little duties around the club she also did all merch designs and ordering but also running the bar and canteen. Running our socials and organising events, driving the family fun day and gala day, and having her fingers in everything, as well as having two kids of her own and minding children for other players . Not only that, she did it with a smile on her face always, and was an absolute pleasure to be around despite the pressure and sacrifice.
Without Kaelyn, we wouldnt have a club, and hope she is silly enough to do it again in 2027!
🏆Defender of the year - MJ Mauava
Despite missing the latter half of the season with a broken hand, 3x best back winner MJ had an impact on defense svery contact. This always had him locked in a 80 minute role when available, and he had a massive influence on our first 7 games, and returned for a 2 point performance in our final. From bone crushing hits, to line break closing defensive reads, he was a real downside for the opposition to run at, so generally they stop running down his channel.
To every player, coach, volunteer, supporter, sponsor, family member and friend who has been part of our 50th year — thank you. This club is built by all of you.
50 years of Highlanders. One unforgettable season. ❤️🖤🤍
Team photo credit to the fantastic
