The 2022 VNL Awards are done and dusted with the Team of the Year for all three divisions announced on Sunday evening.
Each club nominates a total of 12 athletes, four per each area of the court (without voting for their own). The top four players with the most votes then qualify for the Team of the Year.
2022 Championship Team of the Year
Goalers – Nyah Allen (North East Blaze), Emily Andrew (Wilson Storage Southern Saints), Mikaela 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)
It’s no surprise that Hot Shot winner Nyah Allen has been selected in the 2022 Championship Team of the Year, the goaler consistently displaying her versatility to move between goal attack and goal shooter. Melbourne Vixens training partner Emily Andrew was influential under the post for the Saints with her strong takes and impressive goal line drives. Mikaela Vaughan had another dominant season for the Lightning while Geelong’s Julia Woolley dazzled with her class and accuracy.
The midcourt boasts a wealth of speed and dynamism with Vixens training partners Jordan Cransberg and Sharni Lambden both named. Collingwood debutant Casey Adamson also found her way into the side with the final midcourt position going to the experienced Kelsie Rainbow.
The defensive end is stacked with talent including Vixens training partner Gabby Coffey who has had another impressive season for the Lightning. Ashlee Barnett quickly found her feet after making the move back down to Victoria, the goal keeper proving to be a dominant force in the circle for the Saints. Collingwood debutant and City West Falcon Zoe Davies, named best on court in the Grand Final, was key to her side’s premiership tilt as was the ultra-consistent Geelong Cougars’ Brooke Allan.
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 Cougars), Indya Forde (Geelong Cougars)
North East Blaze combo Sarah Hogan and Kaylah Loulanting proved to be deadly from just about anywhere in the circle with their dynamic movement and accuracy to post. Premiership-winning goaler Elle Rice was instrumental for the Hawks throughout the season while Caitlin Hill also played a key role in the circle throughout the Falcons’ season.
The midcourt also has a distinct Blaze flavour with Kali Dolphin, Olivia Ellis and Sam Coppinger all making the side. The trio were in superb form for the Blaze all season, using their change of speed and angles to open up both attack and defence ends. Hawks star Ashleigh Newham rounds out the midcourt with the speedster able to turn the game on its head in an instant.
Sophie Hanrahan has been acknowledged for her excellent season, the versatile Falcon named Division 1 MVP and in the Team of the Year. Geelong is also well represented with Laura Giles and Indya Forde both making the squad. The final defensive position went to Nakita Singe with the Blaze star showcasing her read of the play time and time again.
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)
There’s plenty of talent on show in the 19/Under side with Hot Shot winner Jessica Tetley named in the squad, the Waves star managing an impressive 429 goals for the season. Malia Seumanutafa was also chosen in the side, having played a key role in the Saints’ push to the Grand Final. Keeley Burgmann was a class act for the Hawks all season, while Teal Hocking impressed with her long range accuracy for the Falcons.
Tara Watson had a stellar season with the Blaze, leading her side through centre or wing defence and showcasing her versatility. Partner in crime Ruby Shannon was also a stalwart throughout the season with her pinpoint passes and precision. Teammates Mikayla Phillips and Eryn Stocker proved unstoppable for the Waves with their connection working wonders to weave the ball to circle edge.
The defensive end features Dayna Williams and Grace Markovic, who struck up an exciting combo for the Lightning across the season. Victorian 17/Under star Mia van Wyk impressed for the Saints throughout the season with her lean and tenacity, while Charli Nicol was a commanding presence for the Falcons credit to her relentless pressure over the ball.
