The 2025/26 summer season delivered something special for the Springvale Lions, with Premierships in our men’s and women’s programs.
But there was more to it than just trophies, there were some great stories along the way, one of which was that both our men’s and women’s Best & Fairest awards were won by first‑time recipients, each producing standout, career‑defining seasons in premiership‑winning teams.
In a club with some talented players across teams in each division, earning these honours is no small achievement.
The Stephen Wearne Medal for the men and the Bill Reay Trophy for the women are considered the most sacred of awards the club has to offer, and this year, Aaron Tanic and Shirlie Bull rose above incredibly strong fields to etch their names into Lions history.
Shirlie Bull Wins the Bill Reay Trophy
On the women’s side, Shirlie Bull capped off years of dedication, commitment to her craft, and steady improvement by producing her strongest season yet.
On the biggest stage in our Women’s Premier League team, playing alongside a number of high-quality players, including Emeralds alumni, Shirl played a huge role.
A long‑serving contributor to Springvale’s women’s program in both the Firsts and Seconds, Bull stepped up in 2025/26 with a level of consistency and impact that set her apart in a team filled with talent.
She played multiple positions defensively whenever she was called upon, however it was her reliability in key moments in the batter’s box that proved important to the team.
Her performance across the season saw her end up 7th in the league for batting average (.490), joining three other Big Cats in the top 10 for the 2025/26 season (2nd, Gell – .600, 4th, Lillywhite – .529, 10th, Jackson – .481). She was also top 10 for on base percentage at .561.
If you weren’t familiar with the numbers, this isn’t Shirl’s first time batting herself into the top tier of league hitters.
She finished in the top 20 for average the previous season in 2024/25 (.420), and again had an on base percentage over .500 (.520).
In 2023/24 she also finished top 10, hitting .438, missing the .500 mark for on base percentage by the slightest of margins (.491).
Winning the Bill Reay Trophy in a premiership year, and doing so for the first time, is a testament to Shirl’s growth, consistency and her importance to the Lions’ women’s program.
Aaron Tanic Claims the Stephen Wearne Medal
After a couple of seasons of steady growth and consistent contribution, Aaron Tanic delivered a breakout campaign, becoming one of the most dangerous hitters in the competition in season 25/26.
Across 16 games, Tanic posted 22 hits, including 16 singles, 5 doubles and a triple, driving in a club‑leading 35 RBIs. He finished with a .489 batting average, .593 OBP, and .644 slugging, an elite offensive profile that placed him among the league’s most productive hitters.
In a premiership side that had a number of key contributors, including multiple players hitting above .400, Tanic’s ability to deliver in big moments made him a deserving winner of the Stephen Wearne Medal.
Back in 2024/25, Aaron showed great signs in the batter’s box. He ended that season with a .405 batting average. He was reliable, but this was his year to push the envelope.
He went from just 1 extra base hit to 6 this season, and moved from 14 RBI’s to 35.
It’s the first time Aaron has won the coveted Best and Fairest which is great reward for effort over a couple of very consistent seasons.
Having both major Best & Fairest awards go to first‑time winners in premiership seasons is a great story for the Big Cats.
Aaron and Shirl represent everything the club stands for, including commitment, improvement, resilience, and a team-first approach.
Their names now join the long list of Lions greats, and their 2025/26 seasons will be remembered as highlights in both of their careers.