The players in the running for South Australian netball’s highest honour at Netball SA Premier League Awards
The Netball SA Premier League and Premier League Reserves MVPs will be crowned on Friday night. See our list of players who could claim the title.
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South Australian netball’s night of nights is nearly upon us, with Netball SA holding its Awards Gala from 6pm Friday.
There’ll be countless awards for volunteers, officials, coaches and of course players.
The most highly regarded will be the Premier League MVP and Premier League Reserves MVP awards, given to the best performing player during the regular season in both leagues.
With an abundance of talent in both the Premier League and Premier League Reserves in with a chance, we’ve narrowed it down to the following list.
Premier League MVP
Lucy Austin – Matrics, Goal Shooter
At just 19, Austin is one of the best young up and comers in SA netball, reaching new heights this season.
Scoring a league-best 673 goals in 2021, the dominant forward developed strong links with Laura Packard and Lauren Frew up top for her Matrics side.
Although Matrics lost to Contax by one goal, Austin was dominant in this year’s grand final, scoring 46 goals on 51 attempts.
She spent time with the Thunderbirds as a training partner this year and is a big chance to add more silverware to her cabinet after last year’s premiership win and grand final MVP.
Chelsea Blackman – Contax, Goal Defence
Blackman has solidified herself as one of the most reliable Goal Defences in the Premier League in recent years.
Her ability to block passing lanes and make life tough for shooters is both feared and envied throughout the competition.
She became a Thunderbirds training partner for the fourth year in 2021 and was also named in this year’s Southern Force ANC state representative side.
After dominating throughout the year and playing a key part in Contax’s premiership run, Blackman is a big shout for league MVP.
Asha Thurlow – Oakdale, Goal Shooter
Thurlow is no stranger to major accolades, finishing third in the Premier League MVP last year after winning it in 2019.
In her first season at Oakdale this year, the talented shooter finished second in scoring to Lucy Austin.
She developed a deadly combination with Goal Attack Sophie Agostino this year, which could see Oakdale stay contenders for years to come.
Georgia Dent – Matrics, Wing Attack
One of the most consistent players in the top flight this season, Dent was a major part of Matrics’ grand final run.
Her link-up play between attack and defence on the wing has caused headaches for each opposition side and saw her into the 2021 Southern Force ANC team.
Also a pathway athlete with the Thunderbirds this year, Dent continues to rise up the ranks and will undoubtedly be a chance tomorrow night.
Chelsea Pitman – Garville, Wing Attack
Pitman is another strong Wing Attack, and at 33 is one of the most experienced and decorated players in SA netball.
A former Suncorp Super Netball player and international representative for the English Roses side, Garville has earned a reputation as a dangerous wing player.
Having co-captained the Thunderbirds in 2020, Pitman was a massive signing for Garville this season and did not disappoint.
Emma Green – Contax, Goal Shooter/Goal Attack
Green has been an integral part of the Contax lineup for multiple years.
A versatile player, she is able to play any role up top effectively and keep the league’s best defences guessing.
While she unfortunately injured her knee in her team’s semi-final, Green was still a huge part of Contax’s premiership season.
Premier League Reserves MVP
Maggie Kerr – South Adelaide, Goal Shooter
Kerr is a consistent shooter and is often the focal point of a strong South Adelaide offence.
She scored 381 goals this year and often set teammates up with ease.
The gun scorer played a significant part in the Panthers’ first ever grand final run and can hold her head high despite her team’s devastating one-point loss to Matrics.
Courtney Maynard – South Adelaide, Goal Attack
Maynard developed a sensational partnership with Maggie Kerr up top this year, making South Adelaide one of the most feared attacking teams in the league.
An agile Goal Attack, she is able to consistently link-up between mid-courters and shooters.
She was a threat for South Adelaide in each and every game this season and played a big part in her team’s grand final campaign.
Amelia Basedow – Matrics, Goal Keeper/Goal Defence
Basedow made a habit of shutting down opposing front-courters this year, a fundamental part of Matrics’ flag-winning defence.
Having come through the Netball SA pathways in state representative teams, the talented defender is as good as anyone on that end of the court.
Having played a key role in the best reserves side this year, Basedow is a big chance at being named MVP.
Marlee George – Matrics, mid-courter/Wing Attack
The most versatile player in the reserves competition, George can play all over the mid-court.
Predominantly playing Wing Attack this season, her ability to hit teammates with crisp passes and provide support to defenders was second to none.
She was dominant throughout the year and won the grand final MVP earlier this month.
Tabitha Packer – Contax, Goal Defence and Goal Keeper
Packer had a massive 2021 season and having been named in the SA U17 development squad, is becoming one of the best young players SA has on offer.
A tall, long defender, she has the ability to guard both Goal Shooters and Goal Attacks effectively.
Packer’s talent was plain to see this year and with a shot to take out the reserves MVP, the sky is the limit.
Che Reville – Tango, Goal Attack/Goal Shooter
Reville’s experience shone through at the top of the court this season, the attacker leading by example in a solid year for Tango.
Sharing the load in both Goal Attack and Goal Shooter, she scored 259 goals this year.
Reville may not be favourite to take out the MVP but she’s an outside chance after yet another consistent campaign.
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