Strathmore’s Clara Toperosa has been voted Fernwood Fitness Women's Player of the Month for May, after a series of impressive displays in the gold and blue guernsey.
Captain Toperosa claimed 36 per cent of the online vote beating Westmeadows' Gemma Wright by just three per cent when voting closed.
Leading Strathmore to four victories across May, Toperosa’s leadership, fitness, and clearance work once again made her a key asset to senior coach Shaun Bannister’s side.
Featuring in all seven games this season and slotting two goals, the Strathmore talisman has been at her best as the Griff continue their resurgence in an outstanding undefeated season.
Reacting to the news, Bannister was full of plaudits for his captain.
“It’s great news. Clara is so well liked and really deserving of the award," Bannister said.
“Over the weekend the group chat was going off, everyone got on board and there was a lot of banter in the chat. The squad were asking every friend they had to vote for her.”
On her season so far Bannister added, “She just dominates every game. Clara is a great leader and always puts the team ahead of herself. She’s incredibly fit too – she wins our time trials all the time and just refuses to give up.
“She’s ferocious. The girls all admire her and everyone stops and listens to her. We’re really keen in getting a good result this season and she’s at the pointy end leading us.”
As part of the award, Toperosa wins a customised training plan and a month’s free membership to Fernwood Fitness.
Speaking after receiving the award, Toperosa said she feels honoured to have even been nominated and recognised.
"I’m a bit shocked to have won," she said. "It feels nice to have a community supporting me.
“This year I’m really enjoying my footy - we’ve got a really great group of women playing and we gel really well. The numbers have been great this season and we’ve got great standards in training which lifts me up."
Reacting to her coaches’ comments she said, “The group chat was really funny. Everyone was sharing the vote around. It was really nice to feel the love. Everyone was taking it very seriously trying to rally votes. I feel really supported.
“I don’t love losing and I’m pretty competitive - which drives my footy development. It’s funny that Shaun mentioned the time trials,” Toperosa said laughing
“I really enjoy being captain. It’s a privilege. I take it pretty seriously and I try to always make sure everyone feels welcome supported and heard.
“Coming into the second-half of the season we’re looking to optimise our training and systems further and elevate in the second half of the season. Now we’ve gelled we want to push a lot harder in the second half.”
Fernwood Fitness is offering all EDFL players, volunteers, or close family members an exclusive EOFY 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!
