Brad Paterson was nominated for overall sportsperson of the year but was runner up to Harry Jones.

He didn’t go home empty handed, claiming the high school sportsperson of the year alongside primary school winner Dylan De Domizio.

 “This is a fantastic result for Brad, and on behalf of the entire Port Macquarie Hastings Hockey Association, I extend a warm congratulations on the excellent achievement,” association president Simon Thresher said.

“It is reflective of the hard work and dedication that he has applied to his hockey, and in particular his craft of goal keeping, over the years.

The sacrifices that are required in order to represent your country are incredible and Brad, along with his supportive family are all to be applauded for their efforts.”

Thresher said Paterson’s dedication to local hockey should also be recognised.

“He represents Port Macquarie at state level as both a player and a coach as well as playing for his club’s first grade premiership winning side,” he said.

“This achievement is not only a reflection of Brad’s dedication, but of the wider hockey community in the Port Macquarie Hastings region.

“The level of skill and the talent that the local association is producing at present is as a result of the hard work and dedication of local coaches, managers and administrators.

It is these people that identify and foster the talent in players like Brad, and provide the pathways to the higher levels of representation.”

De Domizio is an excellent athletics talent with a passion for the sport that is unrivalled.

“I enjoy trying to get faster and achieve new personal bests,” he said.

“I was very excited and it was nice to be recognised for what I have achieved. My dream is to one day represent Australia in athletics at the Commonwealth and Olympic Games, and break records.”