THE 2020 Australian Netball Awards occurred last night with a host of Suncorp Super Netball (SSN) players recognised for their efforts throughout the season. Hosted online due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Team of the Year, MVP, Rising Stars, and Coach of the Year titles were all awarded to a number of well-deserving candidates.

After a stellar 2020 season, it is no surprise that Jamaican international shooting sensation Jhaniele Fowler took out the Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year award for her third straight season. She was a key reason behind the Fever’s rise up the ladder in 2020, often a dominant force inside the goal circle with her accuracy and high volume of shots coming to the fore each time she took the court. The 196cm goaler took out the leading goal scorer title finishing with 965 goals, 382 more than the next closest in Romelda Aiken, while converting at a staggering 94 per cent to highlight just how prolific she was and her skill to turn a game on its head.

The accolades did not stop there for the West Coast Fever goal shooter, named in the Team of Year given her star power under the post to average over 50 goals a game.

“To have won the Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year award for the third consecutive year, it’s no longer the mere feeling of being elated, it’s much more,” Fowler said. “I’m beyond honoured and moved by this, and I’m not easily moved, pun intended, to be recognised for something I’m extremely passionate about.”

A couple of premiership Melbourne Vixens players also made their way into the Team of the Year, with midcourt duo Liz Watson and Kate Moloney recognised for their dominance throughout the 2020 season, while the other attacker named was promising youngster Kiera Austin in goal attack. looking at the defensive end, Queensland Firebirds captain Gabi Simpson got the nod at wing defence credit to her impressive athleticism and ability to nullify her opponents. The ever-reliable Karla Pretorius secured the goal defence position thanks to her 43 intercept, 70 deflection and 21 rebound season, while despite only registering one win for the season, Collingwood co-captain Geva Mentor was awarded the goal keeper bib. With so many high calibre players to choose from, Cara Koenen, Paige Hadley and Shamera Sterling secured bench positions for their impressive efforts throughout 2020.

Despite a number of stellar performances from the young up and coming crop of players such as Tippah Dwan, Georgie Horjus and even Sunday Aryang in the end, the Rising Star was awarded to Adelaide Thunderbirds midcourter Maisie Nankivell who oozed consistency and star power from the opening game. Nankivell was a real general through the centre third, able to seamlessly transition between wing defence, centre and occasionally wing attack, such is her skillset and overall netball prowess. The tenacious midcourter notched up 17 intercepts, 27 deflections and 159 goal assists, making her a deserving winner.

After guiding her side to premiership glory it was only fitting that Melbourne Vixens head coach, Simone McKinnis earned the Joyce Brown Coach of the Year nod. Away from home for more than 90 days due to quarantine and the Queensland hub, McKinnis led her side to both the minor premiership and premiership for the first time in Suncorp Super Netball history. The Vixens won 11 of their 14 games, proving their overall dominance on the competition across the 2020 season.