Tasmanian Tigers captain Elyse Villani wins Domestic Female Player of the Year

Tasmania’s WNCL captain has claimed another major gong at the Cricket Australia awards on Wednesday night.

Elyse Villani was named the Cricket Australia Domestic Female Player of the Year on Wednesday night. (Photo by Steve Bell/Getty Images)

Tasmanian Tigers captain Elyse Villani has once again been rewarded for her stellar domestic form, named the Women’s Domestic Player of the Year for the third time in four seasons.

A joint winner alongside Victorian all-rounder Sophie Day, Villani was once again rewarded for her consistent performances at the top of the order for both the Tigers and the Hobart Hurricanes.

Tasmanian captain Elyse Villani has led her side to back-to-back WNCL titles since joining the Tigers. Picture: Linda Higginson

Throughout 2023, Villani scored 627 WNCL runs, at an average of 69.67, which included an outstanding 110 in the 2022/23 WNCL final against South Australia and a top score of 174 not out against Western Australia in February 2023.

Villani also scored 324 runs in the WBBL|09 competition in 12 innings for an average of 36 runs.

The first player to win the award three times, Villani said it was another special moment in a career full of highlights.

“It’s really special to be seen by my peers as someone that’s consistent at the domestic level, and I’m lucky enough that I get to play with and against some amazing female athletes, and really great people as well,” Villani said.

“I’ve been involved at this level for 16 years. I’ve had amazing support both on and off the field from a number of organisations, family, friends, teammates and opposition players.

“I just feel really grateful to still be able to play the game that I love, and that’s what drives me.”

One of Australian cricket’s most highly respected leaders, Tasmanian Tigers coach Jude Coleman lauded Villani’s impact since joining Tasmania.

“She (Villani) has helped set the standards for our organisation,” Coleman said.

“To have someone with her experience in cricket lead our women’s program, allows us to continue to strive for success, has been a huge factor in helping us achieve back-to-back WNCL titles.”