Mawer seals fifth MVP as Hawks swoop on Netball Tasmania awards

Ash Mawer claimed her fifth MVP, but it was the team’s recognition that the Northern Hawks skipper valued most at Netball Tasmania’s awards night on Saturday.

Cripps Waratah vs Northern Hawks Ash Mawer of Northern Hawks Picture: Linda Higginson

She may have won her fifth Most Valuable Player award, but for Northern Hawks captain Ash Mawer it was the four teammates named alongside her in the TNL All Star Team that was her highlight of Saturday’s Netball Tasmania Awards.

The Hawks justifiably dominated the ten-man team with goal-shooter Mawer, Lynette Childs, Lydia Coote, Kendall Jones and grand final MVP Ellie Marshall all included.

After spearheading her side to just one loss in defending their TNL title, Mawer is confident the vast majority of the squad will return for a shot at a third flag.

“I don’t think many of us have had that conversation, but I’m fairly certain it would be quite similar.

“That was probably the highlight for us, having half of that (All Star) team being Hawks and I think it’s the most we’ve ever had in the All Star team and it was very well deserved from everyone in there.”

Almost modest to a fault, the 27-year-old did concede she’s a tough marker personally and a fourth straight MVP was rewarding.

“I am very hard on myself and like to make sure I am consistent with my game. That I suppose is a reflection of that,” she said.

Mawer was a vice captain for the Tasmania Wild’s recent Australian Netball Championships campaign in Queensland.

They defeated ACT and Northern Territory to finish ninth in a tournament that also included academy teams of Super Netball sides.

Cavalier captain Ava Lockwood, pictured with the under-19 premiership trophy and grand final MVP medal, added the league MVP to her CV on Saturday night. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Youngsters like Cavaliers’ Esther Kidmas and Marshall took part after strong debut TNL open competition campaigns which resulted in All Star team selection.

“It’s definitely invaluable experience for everyone involved and not just the younger girls,” Mawer said.

“Having the opportunity to play against that calibre of player is an amazing opportunity to test yourself and see how you’re going.

“Half of that team was made of girls in the under-19 Tasmania side. It gives a strong presence for that younger generation to keep growing and developing as a unit, to make sure that team is successful heading into the future.”

Cavaliers captain Shelby Miller was named in the All Star team. Picture: Linda Higginson

The Cavaliers’ dominant premiership-winning campaign in under-19s was also recognised with skipper Ava Lockwood holding out teammate Paige O’Neill for MVP.

It capped a year to remember for Lockwood, who was also crowned the grand final MVP in their win over Waratah.

Five Cavaliers - O’Neill, Lockwood, Asha Lowe, Sophie Blackberry and Sophie Brewer - were named in the All Star team.

Marsha Batchelor (South East Suns) and Aaron Pidgeon (Waratah) were named under-19 and open coaches of the year respectively.

AWARD WINNERS

Open MVP: Ash Mawer, Northern Hawks

19-and-under MVP: Ava Lockwood, Cavaliers

Open hot shot award: Ashlea Mawer, Hawks

Open best first year player: Gemma Collyer, Devon

Open All Star team: Alex Vinen, Gemma Collyer, Lynette Childs, Shelby Miller, Lydia Coote, Ash Probert-Hill, Ellie Marshall, Ash Mawer, Esther Kidmas, Kendall Jones.

Open coach of the year: Aaron Pidegon, Cripps

19-and-under hot shot award: Sophie Brewer, Cavaliers

19-and-under best first year player: Asha Lowe, Cavaliers

19-and-under All Star team: Jess Owen, Paige O’Neill, Hannah Brereton, Asha Lowe, Ava Lockwood, Jo Thompson, Lily Humphreys, Sophie Blackberry, Sophie Brewer, Ebony McGinniss.

19-and-under coach of the year: Marsha Batchelor, South East Suns

NetSetGO Centre of the Year: Devon Netball Association

Volunteer of the Year: Rachael McGiveron (St Helen’s Netball) and Judy Prokopeic.

Association of the Year: Burnie.

15-and-under state tournament MVP: Sophie Sheriff

17-and-under state tournament MVP: Charlotte Walker

19-and-under state tournament MVP: Gemma Collyer

ANC Wild tournament MVP: Shelby Miller

Emerging Umpire of the Year: Ellie Jones

Umpire of the Year: Rachael Stebbings.