Sewell won the award, which was announced at Newlyn Sporting Complex, after impressing in his fourth year of AFL football.

The Newlyn export has played every game for the Hawks so far this season.

Sewell's father Peter accepted the award on behalf of the winner.

Other award winners included Amber Everitt, Kristopher Sanford and Joyce Williams.

Everitt won the junior girls award after winning an Australian under-16 single kayak marathon gold medal.

The award was even more remarkable considering Everitt is confined to a wheelchair.

Ballarat Lady Strikers soccer player Julia McGrath, 17, received an encouragement award in the same division along with star Newlyn tennis player Ashleigh Jolliffe, 12.

Sanford, 15, won the boys sportsperson of the year award.

The Victorian Country Football League under-15 representative has won a range of awards in the past 12 months including a Central Highlands Football League best and fairest and Ballarat Region Tennis under-16 most consistent.

He is also captain of Victoria Park soccer team.

Mrs Williams won a special award for sports administration. She was an inaugural member of the first Riding For The Disabled meeting 29 years ago and was inducted as a life member in 2005.

She is also a life member of Kingston and District Pony Club.