THE announcement of the Central Murray Netball League A-grade best and fairest was postponed on Wednesday night after technical issues, so supporters await the result with bated breath.
There are so many quality players that the eventual winner is far from a shoo-in, and it’s a testament to the quality of the cohort.
At the end of a scattered 2021 season with cancelled finals, following the non-event of 2020, it has been a credit to the women and girls involved that they have persisted and shown such skill.
The players who deserve a nod are too numerous to mention and would likely include the entire League’s line-up but there are some team highlights and names to watch.
The previous winners should poll well in the games they have played. Woorinen’s Madeleine Jeans won the award in 2018 and 2017, and polled exceptionally in 2016 and 2015.
Skilled defender Jeans played the first few matches this season and performed well, but sat the remainder of the season out.
2014 best and fairest Tessa Demaria (nee Burton) has had a standout season in defence and the midcourt for the Tigers, and it would not be surprising to see her take home the prize again.
But there is a double edged sword for some of the best teams this season.
Multiple brilliant players competing against each other for votes is not ideal for this individual prize, although in a normal year it may get them to the finals.
Other Tiger names that should get a mention include Renee Isma, Olivia Jones, Rachel McLaughlin and Toni Rivett.
The Swan Hill side also benefits from double League champions – 2012 winner Karli McIntyre (nee Livingston) who is fantastic in C and 2015 winner Madeleine Nalder who is a force in defence.
Experienced Ingrid Condely had a great start to the season in GA, while young guns Arlee Bennett, Greta Sheldrick and Alivia Andrews have stepped up too.
Playing coach Zoe O’Sullivan said there hasn’t been just one girl stand out in this “whirlwind” of a season.
“Every game there has been a different person stand out, it’s been amazing to see the commitment and strength of my girls this season to push through some high and low points and come out of it more successfully than we imagined,” O’Sullivan said.
“We have had lots of ins and outs this season due to injury, players away and players filling in, hence a tough decision to pick one girl out of a squad of 12,” she said.
Kerang’s Sophie Peacock who took home the League’s best and fairest is 2019 has shone in all Blues’ matches in GD, teaming up flawlessly with her twin sister Emma Peacock who plays GK.
Sophie was also crowned the 17 and under best and fairest in 2017 and should poll well. Other Blues to bet on include Emma Peacock and Meaghan Kilderry.
For Balranald, playing coach Jess Parry highlighted the efforts of Stevie Bibby, although she added “all the girls have really stepped up this season so it’ll be interesting to see how the B&F unfolds.
“Stevie will poll well in the league medal but I think there will be too many girls within our team take votes from each other at the league level and keep each other out of it,” Parry said.
“There is a lot of talent spread throughout the league so it’s hard to predict,” she said.
Parry should herself receive a few votes and was one of Mallee Eagles’ coach Vicki McDonald’s picks for the season alongside Swan Hill’s Arlee Bennett.
Roos Taylin Barry and Elli-Jane Brougham are some other names to look out for from the NSW team.
Nyay Nyah West United players to follow include Teina Lusty, Denise Snyder and Madison Jones while Tyntynder’s Kelsey Rowe, Laura Anderson and Bridget Dedini have all had stellar seasons.
Boga’s Sarah and Katie Hepburn, Jemma Meehan and Anna Archie have been the backbone of their determined team while Cohuna’s Dannielle Sawyer and Kobie Free were some standouts for the Kangas.
The powerful Mallee Eagles have a heap of potential to poll – GA Emelia Bett is always exceptional while WD Tayla Anderson also dominates the midcourt alongside WA Sonya Lorenzoni.
GS Kellie Walker has also been a dynamo in the goal ring.
And some key names mentioned by opposition coaches include Koondrook/Barham’s star GA Tlarnee Lake who Balranald coach Parry called a “standout” with plenty of best-on performances for her side.
Swan Hill coach O’Sullivan said Tooleybuc Manangatang’s Laura Zanker should also do well.
“I’ve always thought Laura Zanker was a beautiful strong defence player to possibly take out the league medal,” O’Sullivan said.
WD Peyton Oliver will be another TM name to watch.
There really is a pool of talent in this League with plenty beyond those mentioned who could score well.
BREAKOUT LAST TEN B&F
2011 Jane Aikman (Mallee Eagles)
2012 Julie Wardle (Tooleybuc Manangatang), Karli Livingston – married name McIntyre (Swan Hill), Deanne Wiseman (Swan Hill)
2013 Kelsey McCoy (Swan Hill)
2014 Tessa Burton – married name Demaria (Woorinen)
2015 Madeleine Nalder (Swan Hill)
2016 Teagan Lawry (Tyntynder)
2017 Madeleine Jeans (Woorinen)
2018 Madeleine Jeans (Woorinen)
2019 Sophie Peacock (Kerang)
2020 – No winner SOME NAMES TO WATCH 2021
Tooleybuc-Manangatang Laura Zanker
Koondrook-Barham Tlarnee Lake
Woorinen Tessa Demaria
Balranald Stevie Bibby
Kerang Sophie Peacock
Swan Hill Arlee Bennett
Balranald Jess Parry
