Thunderbirds young gun Georgie Horjus named Super Netball player of the year
Thunderbirds young gun Georgie Horjus has added another honour to an impressive 2024 campaign that included a second premiership and a Diamonds debut. But she’s got her sights on more for 2025.
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Adelaide Thunderbirds young gun Georgie Horjus admits a “pinch-me” year is still sinking in after she was crowned the Super Netball player of the year, but she’s already got her sights on more glory next season.
Horjus iced a 2024 campaign that was already hard to top when she was named the leading Super Netball performer at the Netball Australia awards on Saturday night.
It had already been a big year for the 22-year-old after claiming a second consecutive Super Netball premiership with the Thunderbirds and earning her Diamonds debut.
The star wing attack, also a twin threat at goal attack, beat teammate Latanya Wilson and West Coast Fever spearhead Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard to the award.
“It was very unexpected, I did not think about getting that award at all, so I’m very honoured,” Horjus said.
“Looking back, it’s a bit surreal and a bit of a pinch-me moment.
“Getting to play in the Thunderbirds grand final, winning a premiership and then getting to debut for the Diamonds, which was a dream I’d had since I was a little girl.
“I think it will take me a little while to sink in and I’m really excited for the year that I’ve had.”
Horjus made her debut in the Diamonds’ third Test against New Zealand in the Constellation Cup after which Australian captain Liz Watson nominated her as “the future of this team”.
The attacking ace from Kangaroo Island polled in every round she played in, only missing out in one when she was sidelined due to injury.
Horjus is now targeting a premiership hat-trick next year with the Thunderbirds, alongside her own individual goals with the Diamonds.
“I reckon we can (go three in a row),” Horjus said.
“I don’t think there is pressure, I think it is a challenge for us.
“Last year was a challenge to get back-to-back and this year it’s just another challenge …. we love that and we love working hard so I think we’re really excited for what 2025 brings us.
“I have set some goals for myself with the Thunderbirds team and then in the Diamonds’ environment setting those girls and working hard for that will be the aim for me next year.”
Horjus was one of three Adelaide Thunderbirds named in the Super Netball team of the year alongside Jamaican defensive stars Latanya Wilson (wing defence) and Shamera Sterling-Humphrey (goal keeper).
In her sixth year at the helm, Adelaide head coach Tania Obst was named coach of the year after steering the Thunderbirds to their second premiership win in as many years.
The Thunderbirds were undefeated at home in 2024 and won all of their finals matches, culminating in a two-goal grand final victory over the Melbourne Vixens.
Goaler Lauren Frew, 22, was named the Super Netball rookie of the year after featuring in every match for the Thunderbirds this year.
A retired Thunderbird was also honoured with former Diamonds captain Natalie von Bertouch inducted into the Netball Australia Hall of Fame.
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Originally published as Thunderbirds young gun Georgie Horjus named Super Netball player of the year
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