Over four months, more than 1,100 entries poured in from every State and mainland territory of Australia, featuring 60 different sports.

Among them, heartfelt stories about local sporting legends and inspirational grassroots clubs from the Big Smoke to small country outposts.

With so many quality nominations, Inside Sport editor Jeff Centenera said finalising the shortlists was a massive challenge.

“We were floored by the response to the Clubbies this year, particularly how far it reached across the country.

“It proved yet again to us at the magazine that the best stories in Australian sport are at the grassroots level.”

 Some 40 sports featured in the final cut across seven categories:  Best Club, Best Coach, Best Stalwart, Best Masters Performance, Best Association, Best Administrator and Best Facilitator.

Football (soccer), equestrian, hockey, gymnastics, AFL and athletics featured strongly among the nominations.

Also among the entries making multiple appearances, players, clubs and stalwarts from tennis, water polo, netball, baseball, triathlon, softball, cricket, motorsports, rugby league and surf life saving.

But it wasn’t just nominations from the mainstream that caught the eye. Individuals and clubs involved in everything from ultimate frisbee and quidditch to petanque, dragon boating and camp drafting also earned a finalists jersey.

The nominations told of dedication, passion…AND longevity. An 89-year-old basketballer and a 76-year-old equestrian/rowing dual Masters medallist among the fascinating stories from the grassroots of Australian sport.

Go HERE to view the finalists and cast your vote. 

Voting closes on April 15 and winners will be announced on May 3.