A BRILLIANT season of Sunraysia netball has almost been logged, but an A Grade Jackie Horkings Medal winner is still to be named.
There is no shortage of star players vying for the competition’s biggest individual 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 voting.
Amanda Edwards (Wentworth)
ARGUABLY the best player in the competition, Edwards is always near the top of the pre-count favouritism as she continually delivers in attack for the standout Wentworth unit.
Tall, strong and intelligent, she’s a tough match-up for all defenders, and the speed at which she is delivered the ball makes her hard to stop.
As is the case with this iteration of the Roos, there will be no shortage of teammates potentially stealing votes.
Courtney Wakefield (Wentworth)
LAST year’s winner was outstanding again this year as the general in defence as the Roos went through undefeated.
Wakefield and fellow defenders Natalie Vercher and Christie Becker have formed a fearsome unit to break through, and have now incorporated youngster Lola McInerney into the mix.
Scoring is a tough job against the reigning premiers and, with Wakefield’s intercepting ability on display, it’s easy to see why.
Ava Zadow (Mildura)
ANOTHER outstanding campaign from the versatile teenager, Zadow has played brilliant netball in her regular defensive post or when swung into the shooters’ circle.
A regular in Mildura’s best players, she has the height and athletic ability to pull off key intercepts and rebounds, as well as be an attacking target.
Mildura’s strong season means there will likely be plenty of votes to go around for Dees players.
Shakara Delcastegne (Irymple)
ARGUABLY her side’s best player and most consistent performer, Delcastegne fails to take a backward step on the court.
Usually deployed in centre but able to rotate through the wings, Delcastegne never seems to stop running and is constantly covering the entire playing area while being the fulcrum of the team’s attack.
The Swallows gun will benefit from her side finishing third and winning 11 games this home-and-away season.
Catherine Brown (Ouyen United)
INCREDIBLY consistent performer for the Kangas and a huge factor behind their run into this weekend’s preliminary final match-up Mildura.
Playing at GA, Brown has had to work with multiple shooters across the season as Ouyen United dealt with unavailability, but she has navigated it brilliantly.
The Kangas’ form in the back half of the season, and Brown’s attacking prowess with Maggie Smith, should see her earn votes.
Jess McNamara (Mildura)
THE 2022 Horkings Medal winner has been exceptional again in attack for Mildura this year while also proving her versatility.
McNamara is usually the main scorer for the Demons, using her outstanding athleticism to her advantage, but has also been tasked with spending time in defence when required.
McNamara is a proven vote-getter and her combinations with Ellie Vincent and Ava Zadow put her right in the frame.
Alyse Ross (South Mildura)
PERHAPS the leading wing attack in the competition, Ross has been a constant presence for South Mildura and was an important player during their six-match winning streak.
Already in her back pocket is an A Grade best and fairest for South, winning this year’s count ahead of shooter Maddison Jess.
May fly more under the radar to some followers but is highly regarded at club and league level.
Natalie Vercher (Wentworth)
A ROCK in defence for an all-conquering Wentworth outfit, Vercher’s influence has certainly been felt across the competition.
The regular goal keeper’s interception and rebounding ability is first-class, as is her positioning to deny shooters room to move.
The Roos’ dominance this year certainly gives more of their players a chance to poll well, and Vercher will likely be near the top.
Sophie Price (Irymple)
ONE of the youngest players in with a chance, Price won the Swallows best and fairest last year and her importance to the side has only grown.
Usually positioned at wing defence, the teenager may be smaller in stature but has an innate ability to find space and pick the right pass.
Price played an important role in the Swallows finishing third at the end of the home-and-away season.
Georgia Giofrelle (Robinvale Euston)
LAST year’s breakout star has had to pull double duty as playing coach this year, but Giofrelle has again been outstanding for the Eagles.
An impressive poller in last year’s vote count despite just two victories, the same may happen this year as she led an emerging side.
Light on her feet and possessing an innate ability to keep the platy moving, Giofrelle will trouble defenders for years to come.
