WITH the Netball Australia Awards done and dusted for season 2018, it was Liz Watson who once again cleaned up thanks to her dominate performance at both the domestic and international level.
The Vixens centre-court player is no stranger to the big stage and this year was no different taking out the Liz Ellis Diamond and Australia’s International Player of the Year, credit to her incredible performance on the world stage. But the accolades did not stop there for the superstar wing attack, also winning the Vixens Sharelle McMahon Award handed out to the clubs best and fairest. Watson is renowned for her pin point precision around the goal circle, her timely feeds and most importantly her ability to read the play and make an impact. She has also shown her versatility rotating through wing attack and centre at times to provide that attacking prowess across the court. The 24- year old has speed to burn and can run all day making her a valuable asset to any side.
Watson was amongst a host of other players recognised at Netball Australia’s night of nights with Jhaniele Fowler taking out Suncorp Super Netball’s Player of the Year. The Jamaican goal shooter had a major influence on the West Coast Fever providing that spark they needed to make it to the finals. Scoring a whopping 783 goals for the home and away season the 198cm tall shooter proved to be a dominant force in the goal circle with her accuracy second to none.
While Fowler herself was a revelation for the Fever so too was their head coach Stacy Marinkovich who claimed the Joyce Brown Suncorp Super Netball Coach of the Year award. After finishing the 2017 season in seventh position the Fever climbed their way up the ladder, showing they were a real force to be reckoned with. Marinkovich’s acquisition of the star Jamaican shooter, strong defensive combination of Courtney Bruce and Stacey Francis along with the experience of Natalie Medhurst made West Coast a clear threat in the Suncorp Super Netball league.
Former Diamond representatives were also acknowledged with the likes of retiring superstar Laura Geitz, Sharni Layton, Erin Bell, Susan Pettitt and Madi Robinson being honoured. Robinson is set to continue with the Magpies but has stepped away from international competition allowing Collingwood to be her main focus.
Sharp shooter taking advantage of opportunities
YOU would think being 5’10 would be tall. In general yes, but this day in the age of netball, that is seen as being on the shorter side, especially as a shooter. Nowadays you see 6 ‘5 shooters like Grace Nweke, Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard and Caitlin Bassett. Jess Tetley has figured out how to turn her […]
England draws first blood in the Horizon Series
ENGLAND has taken a 1-0 lead over Jamaica in the four match Horizon Series. After a nail biting finish to the first game 24 hours ago, England has claimed the first win of the series. After a tight first half, the Roses shifted into gear to win the match by eight-goals thanks to brilliant defence. […]
Horizon Series begins in a 49-all draw
A DRAW kicked off the Horizon Series between England and Jamaica thanks to clinical end-to-end transition from the Jamaicans. A 49-49 result summed up the calibre of both of these sides with several big time players shining throughout. A formidable defensive end for the Sunshine Girls was up against an ever so growing shooting combination […]
PREVIEW | 2024 Horizon Series
THE LAST international series between the big countries of world netball gets underway this weekend as England and Jamaica battle it out for the 2024 Horizon Series. The first two matches will be played in the AO Arena in Manchester, before the series heads to Kingston in Jamaica a week later for tests three and […]
Country star Lavis takes major leaps to get a taste of SSN
TRAVELLING from Victoria-New South Wales border into Melbourne multiple times a week would take a toll on any person. Numerous hours in the car, training for two hours, then having to drive back. It’s an endless cycle. Mia Lavis has learnt to adapt to that being from the country town of Howlong, but she appreciates […]
2025 Suncorp Super Netball fixture revealed
STARTING on April 5 2025, the Suncorp Super Netball fixture was announced with big matchups and a split round included in the 14-round season, which will end on July 13. Opening the new season, the Adelaide Thunderbirds will play the Melbourne Vixens in a Grand Final rematch, while First Nations Round will be played in […]
Fast5 Netball: Australia takes home the double against the Kiwis
THIS year’s Fast5 competition was a fruitful one for the Australian men’s and women’s teams, taking home the gold after two days play in Christchurch. The Australian Women won their third consecutive campaign after claiming the title, whereas the New Zealand Men missed out on the treble this year after the Aussies turned the tables […]
PREVIEW | Fast 5 World Series
THE INTERNATIONAL netball season heads for a more of a light hearted turn this weekend with the annual Fast 5 World Series taking place across the ditch in New Zealand. For the next two days, six women’s teams and three mens teams from around the world will descend on Christchurch for a very different version […]
Charlotte Sexton’s dreams are becoming a reality
“I WANT to make Suncorp Super Netball, not sure how many years I’m off doing that, but hopefully a training partner role is the next step.” Little did Charlotte Sexton know, that statement would soon become a reality. Sexton was announced as one of the five training partners with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2025 […]
