Cricketer Mitchell Johnson wins The West Australian's Sports Star of the Year Award

While it’s not exactly the most impartial awards ceremony on the sporting calendar, The West Australian-ANZ Sports Star of the Year awards pretty much get it right when it comes to acknowledging local sporting icons deserved of that bit of extra praise.

Last night’s ceremony, held at Crown Perth’s Grand Ballroom, saw 33-year-old cricketer Mitchell Johnson take the top award, on the eve of playing against India in the first Test at Adelaide Oval today.

Johnson’s highlights of the past 12 months, leading to his winning last night’s award, include a 5-0 Ashes whitewash in summer 13/14 season and his leading Australia to a 2-1 series victory in South Africa that returned our status, briefly, as the world’s number one Test nation.

Contenders missing out on last night’s big trophy include motor racing ace Daniel Ricciardo, Brownlow medallist Matt Priddis, and Commonwealth Games field champ Kim Mickle.

Recognised, too, were fledgling golf star Minjee Lee, winning Junior Sports Star of the Year, and speedy track cyclist Sam Welsford who earned a Special Achievement award.  Antonino Tati