Essendon Doutta Stars’ Harmony Mitsos has been voted Fernwood Fitness Women's Player of the Month for July in a hotly contested fan vote.
Mitsos won the public vote by just one per cent beating out Hillside’s Annalise Wikie after more than 900 votes were cast.
The Stars’ co-captain was a standout player and leader in a bruising month for the women from Buckley Park.
In July’s three games, Mitsos was praised for her ability to drive the ball through the midfield in her partnership with Camryn Bux, and her leadership when integrating reserves players into the senior side.
Featuring in all 15 games this season, with seven goals and named in the best an impressive 11 times, the Stars’ stalwart has been at her best as the club battle at the top end of the ladder.
“I’m not surprised,” said head coach Marie Napoli when she learned of Mitsos’ win.
“It’s well a well-deserved award for Harmony. She’s having an outstanding season. The girls were all rallying behind her over the weekend and driving her home.
“Harms is well know amongst her peers and she’s just going from strength to strength this season. She leads the way at training, she puts in the effort while she’s there, gives it her all and tries to get everyone to do the same. She’s a leader from the front for sure."
On her form this season Napoli added, “She keeps herself very fit and strong and is always ready to put her best foot forward. She does so many good things, it’s hard to pinpoint one or two as its not doing her justice. She’s just a pleasure to watch. She’s got great footwork when she collects the ball and always shows her strong drive through the pack.
“We want a fit and firing Harmony for the next few weeks and we’re excited for the rest of the season.”
As part of the award, Harmony wins a customised training plan and a month’s free membership to Fernwood Fitness.
Speaking after receiving the award Mitsos said, “I’m very happy. I know it was neck and neck for ages. The team definitely got around it and helped me win. They were messaging their friends, brothers, sisters, grandparents - they were loving it.
“I've worked really hard this season so it’s great to see a bit of reward coming from that. I’m here kind of patting myself on the back saying, ‘I did this, it wasn’t just luck. I genuinely worked really hard'."
Touching on her leadership role, she went on to add, “The last few years I’ve been vice-captain so to take on a co-captain role has been different. It’s a younger group this year and it’s been a different dynamic, but all the girls are already pretty close.
"The reserve players are really stepping up this season because of injury. They always stand up and play their role when called upon. My focus with players is always on making sure everyone is clear on their role and that they’re a valued member of the team.
“It’s been a really good season and hopefully we get a good crew back next year.”
Fernwood Fitness is offering all EDFL players, volunteers, or close family members an exclusive partnership offer: 15 per cent off memberships, plus a reduced $99 onboarding fee.
Whether you are kicking goals on the field or off, Fernwood is here to support your fitness journey!
