Laurie Sawle Medal: Cameron Gannon hails medal win a career highlight as Heather Graham expresses pride

Cameron Gannon has labelled his Laurie Sawle victory as one of the highlights of his career after being crowned Western Australia’s top male player across the 2025/26 summer on Thursday. The right-arm quick was a comfortable winner from last year’s recipient Corey Rocchiccioli, after being the Sheffield Shields’ second-leading wicket taker with 42 scalps. It’s been a long road for the 37-year-old, who has often toiled away behind the likes of Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris. However, he stepped up to carry WA’s injury-ravaged bowling stocks and became the State’s leading man with ball in hand. “I feel incredibly proud both in myself and the organisation, it’s such a great time to be playing here,” he said. (Winning the medal) is absolutely a highlight. I’ve spent 16 years watching other players go up and get awards like this, and I’ve been happy for everyone who has. “But it’s a magnificent feeling actually being the person who gets to go up and receive the reward.” Gannon also revealed a surprise motivator behind his increased fitness throughout the summer. “Peter Siddle inspired me to get on the bike,” he said. “So, this year I’ve got an amazing group of friends in South Perth and getting out on the bike and that... conditioning I think has helped me a lot. “There’s also that element of luck and having fun playing cricket and doing what I love.” Heather Graham, who became only the third player to claim three Zoe Gross Medals behind Nicole Bolton and Amy Edgar, said she was shocked by the honour in her first season back in her home state. “It’s probably a little bit uncomfortable to be honest,” she said. “Obviously, just so grateful to be able to win the award, peer-voted as well, so I’m very thankful for that, and it’s a pretty cool achievement. “I felt like there were a few other girls that had put in some good performances this year, so in a bit of shock, but I’m proud as well.” Graham made 289 runs in the WNCL after returning from four years with Tasmania and also claimed 15 wickets.