The 2023 VNL Awards were held on Sunday evening, with athletes, coaches, umpires and bench officials recognised for their outstanding efforts throughout season.
The premiers in each division were celebrated alongside the individual awards and Team of the Year announcements.
CHAMPIONSHIP
Premiers: City West Falcons
MVP: Hawks Netball’s Kaylia Stanton has been crowned this year’s Championship MVP after a stellar season in attack. Regularly controlling the attacking end, she made herself a strong option to pass to in every game. Stanton polled in 14 of the 18 matches, with six best on court performances.
Hot Shot: Jane Cook has taken out the Hot Shot Award for season 2023, after slotting a phenomenal 852 goals for City West Falcons. Jane played a key role in the team's near-perfect season, which saw them claim back-to-back titles.
2023 Championship Team of the Year
Goalers: Emily Andrew (Wilson Storage Southern Saints), Kaylia Stanton (Hawks Netball), Ruby Barkmeyer (Boroondara Express), Isabelle Hodgson (Boroondara Express)
Midcourt: Ally O’Connor (Geelong Cougars), Casey Adamson (Boroondara Express), Montana Holmes (City West Falcons), Taylah Brown (Boroondara Express)
Defenders: Brooke Allan (Geelong Cougars), Zoe Davies (City West Falcons), Kaitlyn Black (North East Blaze), Gabby Coffey (Melbourne University Lightning)
DIVISION 1
Premiers: Geelong Cougars
MVP: North East Blaze’s Maddi Wallmeyer was named Division 1 MVP with six best on court performances in 2023. An intelligent player with innate game sense, Wallmeyer found circle edge with ease and fed the ball with pinpoint accuracy throughout the season.
Hot Shot: Abby Gedge took home the Hot Shot Award in this division after sinking 604 goals for North East Blaze in 2023. The sharpshooter held her own on the baseline and was near unstoppable under the post, scoring over 40 goals in nine games.
2023 Division 1 Team of the Year
Goalers: Abby Gedge (North East Blaze), Teal Hocking (City West Falcons), Hannah Keane (Hawks Netball), Georgina Cuthbertson (Geelong Cougars)
Midcourt: Georgia Ryan (Geelong Cougars), Shannon Blackman (Melbourne University Lightning), Ashleigh Newham (Hawks Netball), Olivia Ellis (North East Blaze)
Defenders: Charli Nicol (City West Falcons), Chloe Duke (Hawks Netball), Olivia Taylor (Geelong Cougars), Ashlee Smith (Geelong Cougars)
19&UNDER
Premiers: Melbourne University Lightning
MVP: Hawks Netball’s Sienna Green has received the MVP Award in the 19&U division after a dominant season in the midcourt. With five best on court performances, Green’s explosive speed and decision making played a pivotal role in her side’s 11 wins and top four finish.
Hot Shot: Peninsula Waves goaler Charlize Gabel Joseph has claimed the Hot Shot Award with an impressive 641 goals in 2023. Gabel Joseph was a keystone in the Waves’ offensive line up with her ability to shoot with accuracy from range, she scored over 40 goals in seven matches.
2023 19&Under Team of the Year
Goalers: Piuti Laban (Casey Demons), Charlize Gabel Joseph (Peninsula Waves), Kate O’Dwyer (Melbourne University Lightning), Akira McCormack (Melbourne University Lightning)
Midcourt: Tara Watson (North East Blaze), Millie Hogg (Wilson Storage Southern Saints), Ruby Shannon (North East Blaze), Sienna Green (Hawks Netball)
Defenders: Tepaea Hobson (Melbourne University Lightning), Charlotte Sexton (City West Falcons), Eliza Molino (Hawks Netball), Mikaela Minns (City West Falcons)
Coaches and officials recognised at the awards ceremony include:
Umpire of the Year: Josh Bowring
Joyce Brown Coaches Award: Jacinta Todd
A-Grade Umpire Badge: Emily Green and Carly Hewett
Bench Officials Acknowledgement: Robyn Blake, Helen Broadley, Tracey Helman, Jo Brown, Jess Day and Amelia Rovers
*Please note the 2023 Championship Hot Shot Award was previously announced incorrectly due to an error in the end of season awards calculation process.
