The 2022 Victorian Netball League Awards took place on Sunday evening, with star players and officials across all three divisions recognised for their performances throughout the season.
In the first VNL season to be completed without interruption since 2019, premiers were also crowned in each division on Wednesday night.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Premier: City West Falcons
MVP: North East Blaze’s Nyah Allen received the Margaret Caldow Trophy for her performance throughout the 2022 season. Allen’s composure to post was a key reason for the Blaze’s top four finish, along with her crafty movement and flexibility to move between goal attack and goal shooter.
Hot Shot: Emma Ryde has taken out the Hot Shot Award for the 2022 season after nailing 766 goals for Casey Demons. Ryde was an influential figure under the post, using her height to command the ball and apply consistent scoreboard pressure.
2022 Championship Team of the Year
Goalers – Nyah Allen (North East Blaze), Emily Andrew (Wilson Storage Southern Saints), Michaela Vaughan (Melbourne University Lightning), Julia Woolley (Geelong Cougars)
Midcourt – Jordan Cransberg (Melbourne University Lightning), Casey Adamson (Boroondara Express), Sharni Lambden (Casey Demons), Kelsie Rainbow (Melbourne University Lightning)
Defenders – Brooke Allan (Geelong Cougars), Gabby Coffey (Melbourne University Lightning), Zoe Davies (City West Falcons), Ashlee Barnett (Wilson Storage Southern Saints)
DIVISION 1
Premier: Hawks Netball
MVP: City West Falcons star Sophie Hanrahan has been crowned the Division 1 MVP. Rolling through the midcourt and circle defence, Hanrahan’s versatility, endurance and read of the play enabled her to win plenty of ball for the Falcons and keep them in the hunt all season.
Hot Shot: Kaylah Loulanting and Dom Taylor tied for the Hot Shot Award nailing 495 goals apiece. Loulanting played a key role in Blaze’s impressive 18-game winning streak, using her athleticism and smarts to dominate under the post. Hawks Netball’s Taylor showed her capacity to withstand physical pressure, her netball smarts and accuracy to post helping guide her side to the Grand Final.
2022 Division 1 Team of the Year
Goalers – Sarah Hogan (North East Blaze), Elle Rice (Hawks Netball), Caitlin Hill (City West Falcons), Kaylah Loulanting (North East Blaze)
Midcourt – Kali Dolphin (North East Blaze), Olivia Ellis (North East Blaze), Ashleigh Newham (Hawks Netball), Sam Coppinger (North East Blaze)
Defenders – Sophie Hanrahan (City West Falcons), Nakita Singe (North East Blaze), Laura Giles (Geelong Netball), Indya Forde (Geelong Netball)
19/UNDER
Premier: City West Falcons
MVP: Hawks Netball’s Simona Di Filippo was named MVP, her ability to read the play and reliably hit circle edge making her a crucial cog in the midcourt. Her transition work and court craft also impressed throughout the season.
Hot Shot: Peninsula Waves goaler Jessica Tetley took home the Hot Shot Award with an impressive 429 goals, the gap to her next closest opponent (401) highlighting her dominance in the competition. Tetley was a lynchpin in the circle for the Waves, her balance and clean hands enabling her to reel in plenty of ball.
2022 19/Under Team of the Year
Goalers – Keeley Burgmann (Hawks Netball), Malia Seumanutafa (Wilson Storage Southern Saints), Teal Hocking (City West Falcons), Jessica Tetley (Peninsula Waves)
Midcourt – Mikayla Phillips (Peninsula Waves), Ruby Shannon (North East Blaze), Tara Watson (North East Blaze), Eryn Stocker (Peninsula Waves)
Defenders – Dayna Williams (Melbourne University Lightning), Mia van Wyk (Wilson Storage Southern Saints), Charli Nicol (City West Falcons), Grace Markovic (Melbourne University Lightning)
Coaches and officials recognised at the awards ceremony include:
Umpire of the Year: Nathan Begley, Taylah Bennett
Joyce Brown Coaches Award: Jacinta Todd - City West Falcons
A-Grade Umpire Badge: Taylah Bennett
Bench Officials Acknowledgement: Anne-Marie Anderson, Alex Ball, Billie Murray, Craig Moyle, Will Taylor, Aaron Clarke, Steph Kilpatrick, Naomi Werner, Amanda Sherwen, Fiona Maher, Maddie Okely, Penny Forrest, Sue Kimber.
