Sam Simons’ basketball and netball MVP double-act is one for the ages

In an unforgettable grand final MVP performance – and her first season of senior netball – Sam Simons scored the last second winning goal, just weeks after jagging NB1 Central MVP.

Sam Simons has been a household name in South Australian basketball for years.

But the Forestville star became the netball name on everyone’s lips last weekend, when she scored the premiership-winning goal in the final second for Contax in their hotly contested match against Matrics.

Sam Simons, accompanied by SA netball legend Marg Angove, holds the Marg Angove Medal, awarded to her for her Grand Final MVP performance. Picture: Supplied, Netball SA

It was only the 21-year-old’s sixth premier netball game. Simons played most of her first senior season for the reserves before replacing injured first team star Eleanor Horsburgh.

She showed plenty of flair in attack, bamboozling the Matrics defence with basketball moves like layups and hook passes on her way to an incredible grand final MVP performance.

“Basketball skills and instincts are definitely something I try to incorporate in netball,” Simons said looking back on her performance.

“It comes quite naturally to me to do unorthodox things you wouldn’t usually see in the sport and it keeps defenders guessing.”

Simons, who hadn’t played netball since juniors before this year produced her mind-blowing performance just two weeks after playing in her Forestville women’s basketball team’s losing elimination final against the North Adelaide Rockets – one of this year’s grand finalists.

She took out the NBL1 Central women’s season MVP award a day after that loss.

Simons said the balancing act took a toll on her body, but was worth it after the dramatic netball premiership.

Supplied by Netball SA

“It’s been so crazy. Playing basketball and netball finals meant a lot of training and a lot of intense games,” she said.

“My body is quite sore so I’m glad I can now take a bit of a break but I enjoyed every second of it.

“Winning the grand final like that was pretty surreal. It felt amazing to score the matchwinner but I have my teammates to thank.”

Simons had another fantastic basketball season this year, and as an elite player, she maintains her skills are too good for her to preference anything other than the orange ball.

Her season with Contax is something she won’t forget, however.

Sam Simons had yet another spectacular season for the Forestville Eagles, winning the NBL1 Central women’s MVP. Picture: Kelly Barnes/AllStar Photos

“Netball was a great opportunity to go out and play another sport I love, have some fun and meet a bunch of girls who I’ve now made lifelong friends with,” Simons said.

“I haven’t completely decided if I’m going to stick with both sports but basketball is definitely still my preference.

“I’m much better at basketball and I have a goal of competing in the Olympics.”

Her love for basketball and Forestville remains as high as ever, the gifted athlete just yesterday taking on a community-based role on top of her playing duties.

“I’m starting as a primary school teacher soon and this role at the Eagles enables me to go into schools and hold basketball clinics with the kids, teaching them the basic skills and getting them involved in the sport,” she said.

“Hopefully it will also bring a whole new crop of youngsters into the game and into our club.”