HUNTER ATHLETES AMONG FINALISTS FOR ‘THE DON’ AWARD

The field for this year’s ‘The Don’ Award has been unveiled, with eight of Australia’s most inspirational athletes vying for the prestigious prize.

Motorsport stars Daniel Ricciardo and Will Power are joined by Matilda’s star Sam Kerr and cricketer Ellyse Perry.

Commonwealth Games hero Kurt Fearnley earns another nomination, while para-triathlete Lauren Parker was picked for the first time, following her bronze medal performance just a year after being paralysed in a training accident.

Wheelchair racer Madison de Rozario and outgoing Kookaburras captain Mark Knowles round out that nominations, with the award to be presented at the Hall of Fame dinner on October 11.