BFNL Rising Star Award - Sandhurst FNC Nominees
As part of our 2026 BFNL Rising Star Award presented by Bart n Print, we are going through each Club's nominees and next is Sandhurst FNC.
The Dragons have nominated defenders, Jaxon Howard & Hamish McNamara as their football nominees and A-Reserve players, Diana Napoleon & Harriette Whiteacre as their netballers.
Hamish McNamara
Hamish has enjoyed an outstanding return to Sandhurst in 2026, establishing himself as a composed and dependable senior defender.
Equally capable of matching up on tall or small opponents, McNamara combines excellent intercepting ability with strong lockdown defence, outstanding decision-making and a precise left-foot kick that consistently sets up attacking play.
After spending two years boarding at St Patrick's College in Ballarat, he has played all but one senior match this season, showcasing maturity well beyond his years.
Averaging 11 disposals per game at 75 per cent disposal efficiency, along with 2.0 rebound 50s, 2.8 one-percenters and 1.6 spoils per game, McNamara has become a key contributor in defence.
His football journey has included 67 matches with St Therese's, 48 games through Sandhurst's junior program and 47 appearances across Redan's junior and senior ranks, underlining his impressive experience and development.
Jaxon Howard
Jaxon has made an strong start to his senior career, quickly establishing himself as a dependable key defender for Sandhurst.
Playing at centre half back and full back, Howard excels in the air through his intercept marking, spoiling and ability to launch attacking rebounds from defence.
His commitment to developing his craft has been evident, with the Dragons entrusting him with match-ups against experienced former AFL key forwards—challenges he has embraced with maturity well beyond his years.
A product of Maiden Gully Junior Football Club, Howard has played more than 100 junior games before adding six Bendigo Pioneers appearances across 2024 and 2025, while surpassing 55 matches across Sandhurst's junior and senior programs, highlighting his impressive development and exciting future.
Diana Napoleon
Diana has established herself as one of Sandhurst's most exciting young defenders, combining fierce competitiveness with outstanding netball intelligence.
A commanding circle defender, Napoleon excels at reading the play, intercepting with precision and applying relentless defensive pressure, making life difficult for opposition goalers.
Calm under pressure and a natural leader, she consistently sets the standard with her work rate and composure.
Her impressive junior career includes being a member of Sandhurst's 2025 Under 17 Premiership team, earning Best on Court honours in the 2025 Grand Final, while also representing the North Central Region—achievements that highlight her exciting future in the game.
Harriett Whiteacre
Harriett has developed into one of Sandhurst's most reliable young defenders through her outstanding game sense, composure and athleticism.
A clever and tenacious defender, Whiteacre reads the play exceptionally well, times her intercepts with precision and uses her speed, agility and closing pressure to consistently disrupt opposition attacks.
Her strong performances have been recognised through selection in the 2024 BFNL Under 17 Representative Team, the North Central Representative Team in both 2023 and 2024, and the Victorian Under 19 Elevate Program.
She has also earned a place in the Bendigo Strikers 23 & Under Squad, highlighting her continued development and exciting potential at the next level.
