Seven young netballers have been nominated for the 2021 LJ Hooker 19-and-under distinction award, recognising their contributions to the sport and to their respective clubs.
The award recognises outstanding players who also contribute to their clubs, with exceptional performances on and off the court.
There are plenty of familiar names for those who have been watching the league, with 2020 Northern Zone Netball Academy players Alivia Andrews and Taylen Blachford getting nominations.
The finals may not have gone ahead, but based on the season these young women have had and the work they are involved in behind the scenes, it is sure to be a tight competition.
The winner will be announced at the presentation event spread over a number of nights from September 19 to 21.
The awards will be broadcast live by the Central Murray Football Netball League on its Facebook page.
Below are the nominees, with their commendations from their clubs:
Alivia Andrews, Swan Hill
“Alivia is an outstanding young woman and netballer who always strives to be her best, on a personal level, to contribute to the SHFNC in a variety of ways and to continually learn and develop her netball skills.”
Sophie Triplett, Tyntynder
“Sophie is a great asset to the club in both a playing and social aspect. Sophie is delightful, encouraging and always respectful to her team, opponents, umpires and all club officials.”
Milla Wilcox, Woorinen
“Milla is an outstanding and exceptional young person, who possesses and displays an excellent level of sportsmanship and leadership qualities and is respected by all in the netball and wider community.”
Taylen Blachford, Tooleybuc Manangatang
“Taylen is extremely humble and unpretentious, she is a friendly face around the club and gives our junior members a great amount of time and attention. You would struggle to meet a more dedicated, kind and determined young netballer.”
Hannah Morton, Balranald
“Not only is Hannah an exceptional talent on the court, but a beautiful person off the court as well. Hannah is someone our whole club can be proud of and is the type of role model we would want our junior netballers to look up to in future years.”
Aleisha Decker, Lake Boga
“Aleisha is a quiet achiever who displays respect for her coaches, fellow team mates, opposition players and umpires. She loves being able to apply herself to improve on her skills and knowledge, while also being able to have a laugh with her team mates.”
Laura Thomas, Koondrook-Barham
“Laura is a positive, helpful and hardworking individual, who has a healthy attitude towards everything she does. She is a self-disciplined, team player, inspiring other young players around the club and always willing to teach them new skills.”
