A BRILLIANT season of Sunraysia netball is almost in the books, but an A Grade Jackie Horkings Medal winner is still to be named.
There is no shortage of players who will be vying for the title, which will be decided on Monday night.
In no particular order here’s a look at some of the players likely to be at the pointy end of the voting.
Amanda Edwards (Wentworth)
OUR pick for the No.1 player in the competition in our top 25, Edwards is continually delivers at the attacking end.
Tall, strong and smart, she’s a tough match up for all defenders, and the speed in which the ball is delivered to her makes Edwards a hard act to stop.
As always with an undefeated team, having so many elite performers may mean votes are stolen from each other.
Jess McNamara (Mildura)
THE reigning Horkings Medal winner has been at her brilliant best again in 2023 and has shown her versatility across the campaign.
An athletic attacker who usually plays in shooter or goal attack, the Demons star has also been used in centre court and even in defence.
Her combination with fellow shooter Ellie Vincent and Maddie Alvino on the wing has been brilliant to witness.
Courtney Wakefield (Wentworth)
A DEFENSIVE general who never gives her opponent an inch, Wakefield has had a dominant season at goal defence.
Scoring is a tough job against the reigning premiers with Wakefield’s intercepting ability on display it’s easy to see why.
She and fellow defenders Nat Vercher and Christie Becker have formed a fearsome unit for opposing teams to break through.
Ellen Morrish (Ouyen United)
ONE of the stars who helped the Kangas recover from four losses and a draw to start the season but push on to finish third.
Usually found in the centre or at wing attack, Morrish rarely plays a bad game and her consistency proved important for her side.
Expect her to finish the season well in the voting cards.
Ava Zadow (Mildura)
A YOUNG defensive star of the competition, Zadow has made herself at home at A Grade level.
The teenager has the height and athletic ability to pull out numerous interceptions and rebounds and many Dees’ attacks begin with her.
Mildura’s outstanding season means there’s likely plenty of votes to be had by their players including the Demons defender.
Catherine Brown (Ouyen United)
SINCE shifting from her previous role in defence, Brown has been outstanding for the Kangas at goal attack in 2023.
After Tayla Willsmore’s knee injury last year Brown has provided some much-needed skill and experience up front.
She has also been the ideal player to pair with young shooter Maggie Smith as she develops her game.
Indi Spratt (Irymple)
ONE of the leaders of the young Irymple side who were just shy of playing finals netball in 2023.
Spratt played a number of outstanding games at both wing and goal attack for the Swallows, with her sharp passes a real feature.
Spratt has a bright future at A Grade level could be a star for years to come in the blue and gold.
Georgia Giofrelle (Robinvale Euston)
A BREAKOUT star of this year, Giofrelle is small in stature but possesses huge talent.
The Eagles were certainly a better team than their two wins and a draw suggested, and the attacker was a key reason behind the uptick in form.
Light on her feet and with an innate ability to keep the play moving, the emerging youngster will trouble defences for years to come.
Meg McManus (Imperials)
ONE of the shining lights in a tough season for Imperials, the ultra-consistent McManus is likely to be her team’s leading vote winner.
The Imps captain was named in the best players in eight of their 16 games, leading by example for her teammates.
As a leading defender in a team that had three wins and two draws, don’t be surprised if McManus pushes towards the top five.
Natalie Vercher (Wentworth)
THE rock in defence for the all-conquering Wentworth, Vercher’s influence has no doubt been felt across the competition.
Alongside Wakefield and Christie Becker, the defensive trio has been a major reason behind the Roos’ success in recent year.
Despite missing a few games with injury, the regular goal keeper is still likely to attract votes through standout performances.
