Blake and Carlie Cochrane win best and fairests at East Brighton

Kicking goals: Blake and Carlie Cochrane are set for the honour board at East Brighton after achieving a club first.

Blake and Carlie Cochrane both won best and fairests at East Brighton this year.

The Cochrane name will get gold leaf lettering on the East Brighton honour board for the men’s and women’s teams this year.

In a first for the club and the Southern league, Blake and Carlie Cochrane topped the Vampire vote counts.

Blake, 22, is one of the best young players in the league, as he proved when he won the Southern Under 19 best and fairest medal in 2019.

This year he was also named in the Division 2 team of the year.

Carlie, 20, was in her first season of senior football.

Both play on the ball.

“She plays more inside than I do,’’ Blake said of his sister.

“She gets more contested pill than me!’’

Carlie said: “I wasn’t able to watch many of his games but he’s a bit everywhere on the field, I’ve noticed.’’

Blake said Carlie was “pretty handy’’ and put together some good games for her team.

Both still live at home and last Thursday they ventured out for a kick-to-kick session to break up lockdown and their online university studies.

Blake and Carlie Cochrane of East Brighton.

The siblings credit their father, Colin. for helping them with their football.

He coached Carlie’s junior team at St Peter’s for three years and Blake’s junior side at Highett for one season.

While Blake started in Auskick, Carlie threw herself into gymnastics, but made the switch to football when a friend told her the St Peter’s team needed players. The friend was Grace Bridges; this year they were co-captains of the women’s team.

East Brighton president Emma Stuart said the club was thrilled for the Cochranes.

“Exceptionally proud too. They’re both beautiful young adults, so dedicated to the club and to their football, both on and off the field,’’ Stuart said.

“They always go the extra mile for East Brighton to help behind the scenes.

“As president I couldn’t be prouder or happier at what they’ve achieved.’’