Sophie Hanrahan, Maddi Lloyd: Best performing Ovens and Murray netballers revealed
After an unfinished 2021 season and a cancelled 2020, netballers are more determined than ever to win in 2022. See the top performing players so far.
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After an unfinished 2021 season and a cancelled 2020, the 2022 Ovens and Murray netball season is in full swing and players have never been more determined to see a winner crowned.
While Corowa Rutherglen and Lavington are currently the two favourites to make the big dance, injury and Covid have already proved the title remains anyone's game.
From seven rounds of netball, here are the best performing A-grade netballers of the 2022 season so far.
A-Grade standouts
Sophie Hanrahan, Corowa Rutherglen
Arguably the best player in the competition right now, Sophie Hanrahan’s commitment to netball is paying huge dividends for her team. Now balancing her time at Corowa Rutherglen with the City West Falcons in the Victorian Netball League, Hanrahan has brought a new level of fitness to her game. Hanrahan’s game changing intercept and hard work could see her earn a third Toni Wilson medal at the end of the season.
Liv Sinclair, Corowa Rutherglen
Despite suffering a season-ending achilles injury in the Ovens and Murray interleague match, Sinclair has been an integral part of the Roos starting line-up. The nimble wing attack will be hard to replace, owning the position in their undefeated season so far.
Toni Lind, Corowa Rutherglen
Melbourne-based Toni Lind was ‘roped in’ to playing with the Roos after playing with teammate Liv Sinclair at the City West Falcons. Lind brings with her years of experience playing under Marg Lind, one of the most respected coaches in the VNL and also her mother, and has slotted in well with the Roos. With Sinclair out for the season, Lind will have to step up even further to help fill the hole.
Grace Senior, Corowa Rutherglen
Not many shooters play a game as calm as Grace Senior, who is known for her turn-and-shoot approach under the post. Senior has paired seamlessly with sister Chloe Senior, using their sibling connection to confuse their opposition, and commentators alike.
Chloe Senior, Corowa Rutherglen
The older sister of Grace Senior, Chloe Senior has found her place in the circle as either goal attack or goal shooter. Senior is a former North Albury player and Albury Association representative who like her sister, is very reliable under the post.
Emily Stewart, Lavington
Emily Stewart is new to the O & M for season 2022 coming from the NSW Premier League where she was part of the GWS Giants reserves side for four years. Stewart moved to Albury Wodonga for work as a physio and has already shown why she was playing state league. Stewart is a natural leader on court and has taken young gun Olivia Sanson under her wing, and combined nicely with former Albury Wodonga Bandit Maddy Plunket under the post.
Grace Hay, Lavington
The Ovens and Murray could soon lose one its most talented defenders to the AFLW if dual-code athlete Grace Hay is selected in the 2022 AFLW Draft. Hay plays for the North East Blaze in the 19/U VNL division and played with the Murray Bushrangers AFL side. Hay is a quiet worker who dominates against shooters with years of experience on her.
Maddi Lloyd, Lavington
After winning the 2021 Toni Wilson medal, it is not uncommon for Maddi Lloyd to enter the court with a target on her back. But it’s a challenge the wing attack has relished, despite opposition players bringing their A-game to try take down Lavington’s star feeder. Lloyd has continued to develop her partnership with shooter Maddi Plunket while falling into line seamlessly with newest recruit Emily Stewart and is sure to be a contender for a back-to-back Toni Wilson medal.
Laura Ryan, Yarrawonga
She may be a wing defender, but Laura Ryan’s greatest ability is her attacking and ability to bring the ball down off an intercept. Ryan joined the O & M after years in the Goulburn Valley League and has already found her position on court with her third ranked team.
Kylie Leslie, Yarrawonga
Kylie Leslie greatest strength is her versatility, moving nicely between both defence and attack. While she is usually Yarrawonga goal defence, Leslie fed Bridget Cassar and Maddie Allen well in their seven-goal loss to Corowa Rutherglen in round six.
Georgia Clarke, Wangaratta Magpies
Wangaratta did well to sign former VNL player Georgia Clarke in their goal circle. Clarke came with experience at the Geelong Cougars and St Joseph’s in the Geelong Football Netball League. Despite being signed as a goal attack, Clarke has been in goal shooter after the team’s former goal shooter Amanda Umanski went down with an ACL injury in pre-season.
Hannah Grady, Wangaratta Magpies
With more than 150 games of A-grade netball on her resume, Hannah Grady is a key cog in Wangaratta’s defensive end. Grady is a back-to-back premiership player and is unsurprisingly having another great season with the Pies.
Mackensey House, Wodonga Raiders
Wodonga Raiders midcourter-turned-defender Mackensey House has been strong for the Raiders in their 2022 campaign so far. Sitting fifth on the ladder, House’s fitness has made her a reliable defender capable of gaining match changing intercepts. On top of netball, House is a national level swimmer.
Emily Browne, North Albury
Emily Browne has been the barometer for the North Albury Hoppers in their fight to break into the top five on the ladder. A former City West Falcons player and Victorian representative, Browne has been leading her side to some shock victories and close calls in the O & M so far.
Browne was named best on court for the Ovens and Murray interleague team and is known for her consistency and ability to support all teammates on court as a player-coach.
Heidi Fisher, Albury
Heidi Fisher has been a stalwart for Albury with her consistency and unquestionable fitness. Fisher is able to rotate between centre and wing defence, and plays a key role to work down her opposition. An experienced player, Fisher makes few errors, which allows centre Kristen Andrews and defender Sarah Mellington to shine in their own roles beside her.
Sarah Mellington, Albury
While she hasn’t played every game this season due to Albury Wodonga Bandits commitments, the dual-code athlete has been showing fans why she reps both sports at the highest level in town. Her athleticism and ability to pair with goal keeper Sarah Jones kept Albury to a one-goal loss to season favourites Lavington in round seven.
Sami Kreltszheim, Wangaratta Rovers
Despite being one of the shortest goal shooters in the competition, Sami Kreltszheim has proven to be essential for the Rovers as they fight to get more wins on the board. Kreltszheim has played more than 150 games for the Rovers and is capable of leading her young goal circle.
Grace Reid, Wangaratta Rovers
Grace Reid was named in the Ovens and Murray interleague side after showing great speed and athleticism for the Rovers. Reid is an excellent feeder and works well with shooter Sami Kreltszheim.
Ellie Cooper, Myrtleford
Moving over from Adelaide with her partner, Ellie Cooper has been Myrtleford’s greatest strength as they sit eight on the ladder with two wins. Cooper’s speed and experience shone in the Ovens and Murray interleague game where she was one of the newest faces in the team.
Cassi Mathey, Wodonga Bulldogs
Bulldogs’ goal shooter Cassi Mathey has been impressing spectators with her sharp shooting so far this season. Backed by the defensive skills of her aunt Leah Mathey, the family are still yet to get their first win of the season.
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