Ranked: Best 100 country netballers in 2024
Country netball flags were fiercely fought across country Victoria in 2024, with key players leading their team’s charge. See the stars that make up the top 100.
Netball premierships are as fiercely fought for as footy flags across country Victoria and southern NSW every winter.
Unlike football, netball leagues test themselves against each other in a formal representative competition, the Association Championships, when the best of the best converge on Melbourne’s state netball centre for finals day every June.
This year, Hampden ended a 21-year title drought when it beat Goulburn Valley in the grand final by seven goals.
“Hampden is certainly the strongest in terms of talent and also depth that it has been in a long time,” Hampden representative coach Will Jamison said.
“It’s a great combination of junior and senior players and is absolutely a league deserving of the recognition and acknowledgment it is starting to receive.”
To recognise the hundreds of outstanding players who represent their clubs each weekend, The Weekly Times has for the first time identified and ranked the best 100 of them, released in stages over the next week. See where your favourite players ranked below.
1. ALLY O’CONNOR, South Warrnambool
South Warrnambool has been the dominant team of the Hampden league’s open division since the Covid interruptions and an undeniable part of that sustained success has been the influence of Ally O’Connor.
South has won three flags in a row and its star midcourter has won the competition’s most coveted award three times, 2021 and 2023-24.
In 2022, O’Connor played for Geelong club Bell Park and this year she had an on-court reunion with sister Gen, who had not played for South Warrnambool for almost a decade.
This season O’Connor also reached the 100-match milestone, while balancing VNL commitments at Geelong Cougars.
South coach Will Jamison said O’Connor’s “incredible presence on the court” was a big factor in the team’s ongoing success.
“Defensively, she creates so many turnovers both actively but also passively for her teammates,” he said.
“Attacking wise, she is strong, fast, composed and creative.
“Ally has an innate ability to step up when a game calls for it and elevates the performance of her players around her.
“Ally doesn’t have off games, has the highest standards for herself and just delivers again and again to the point where you can forget just how exceptional and reliable she is.”
Huge praise indeed for the best country netballer in 2024.
2. EMILY BROWNE, North Albury
Polled 31 votes to become the first four-time winner of the Ovens & Murray league’s Toni Wilson Medal after another dominant season in the midcourt for North Albury.
3. ELLEN DOYLE, South Barwon
The star goal shooter won her second Geelong league medal in three seasons, while also winning the hot shots with 733 across 16 regular games, before the Swans went on to reach a preliminary final.
4. CHELSEA SARTORI, Kangaroo Flat
The midcourt star completed the Bendigo league, Kangaroo Flat best and fairest double for the second year in a row.
5. KIM BORGER, Shepparton
Gun goal shooter for Shepparton in the Goulburn Valley league who won her first A grade best & fairest. Former Vixens player who will coach the Bears in 2025.
6. OLIVIA BARNETT, Moe
Member of the Gippsland league premiership-winning team who finished runner-up in league best and fairest, but took out Moe’s top award.
7. JULIA WOOLLEY, Newtown & Chilwell
A goal attack who has been described as the “architect” of Newtwon & Chiwell’s attack, Woolley won her second best on court medal after steering the Eagles to their eighth GFNL A grade premiership in 10 seasons.
8. JESSIE BARNES-HILL, Rumbalara
After becoming the first player to win three Goulburn Valley league A grade best and fairests, the star goal shooter returned to Rumbalara and won the Murray league top honour and capped off a great season by playing in a flag.
9. SIMONA DI FILLIPO, Sunbury
Two-time winner of the Ballarat league A grade best and fairest at the age of only 21. Mid-court star was named at wing attack in the BFNL team-of-the-year.
10. ASHLEE GRACE, Horsham Saints
After being runner-up three times, the Saints captain broke through for her first Wimmera league best and fairest medal, winning by six votes.
11. SOPHIE HANRAHAN, Corowa-Rutherglen
Hanrahan again showed versatility and skill at both ends of the court for the Roos, who fell agonisingly short of a grand final berth. Another top-10 finish in the O&M best and fairest after also being the Victorian Netball League MVP in 2024.
12. MADDY VARDY, North Warrnambool
Star midcourt player for North, who finished runner-up to Ally O’Connor in the Hampden open grade best and fairest. Returns as coach in 2025.
13. MADDY STEWART, Gisborne
Runner-up to Chelsea Sartori in the Bendigo league best and fairest this season before playing a starring role in the Bulldogs’ premiership win.
14. STEVIE BIBBY, Swan Hill
Goal defender who took out the Central Murray league A grade best and fairest award in a team that finished runner-up to Lake Boga.
15. APRIL BETHUNE, Drouin
Gun defender who had a standout season winning the Gippsland league A grade best and fairest.
16. OLIVIA MORRIS, Euroa
Missed most of last season, but returned with a vengeance for the 2024 GV premiers. Shot 43 of the 50 goals scored by Euroa in the grand final.
17. BROOKE ALLAN, St Joseph’s
The star goalkeeper joined St Joseph’s from rivals Colac this season, and helped the Joeys reach their first GFNL A grade grand final in 16 years. Mainstay in team of the years in both GFNL and VNL in recent years.
18. MAGGIE ST JOHN, Wodonga Raiders
Midcourt specialist, St John was voted the O&M MVP in 2024 by opposition coaches and finished runner-up in the league best and fairest count with 26 votes. Also represented the O&M against GV and in the association championships.
19. JENNA ANGEL, Birchip-Watchem
First full season in A grade ranks for the 17-year-old goal shooter, who tied for the North Central best and fairest. Also named the league’s Rising Star.
20. GEN O’CONNOR, South Warrnambool
Slotted straight back into one of the state’s best line-ups after a lengthy absence and played a big part in its third successive premiership win in the Hampden league.
21. MADDY SELMON, North Ballarat
Deadly accurate shooter for the Roosters who finished runner-up in the BFNL A grade best and fairest this season.
22. KYLIE LESLIE, Yarrawonga
The credits kept rolling for the Pigeons champ in 2024 including a seventh A grade flag, a seventh club best and fairest and hitting the 250-match milestone.
23. MEG HOGAN, Nullawil
Tied for the North Central league best and fairest and capped off a great season with Nullawil’s top honour.
24. HOLLIE REID, Euroa
Made the move from Kyabram to Euroa this season and was best-on-court in the grand final win against Echuca. Won the Magpies’ best and fairest.
25. JO COUCH, Nirranda
A two-time Wilma Wallace medallist, the midcourter helped Nirranda to a three-peat in the Warrnambool and District league, winning best-on-court honours.
26. RAMAYER GOURLEY, Moe
Coach of the Gippsland league premiers, who was the second most productive shooter in the league with 738 goals.
27. EVA RYAN, Warrnambool
Up-and-coming talent in the Hampden league who represented Victoria at under-17 level before turning her attention to club duties.
28. LAURA IRVINE, Yarrawonga
Superstar midcourt player for the O&M premiers, who has been among the competition’s elite performers for more than a decade with two Toni Wilson Medal victories.
29. BELINDA LEES, Echuca
Star shooter who guided Echuca into the GV grand final only to be defeated by a red-hot Euroa.
30. SHARNI Lloyd, Nagambie
Loyal servant of Nagambie who won the Kyabram District league best and fairest medal for a fourth time with 24 votes.
31. JESS ROHAN, Allansford
The versatile defender’s arrival at Allansford as A grade coach helped the Cats rise up the ladder, return to finals and ultimately reach a preliminary final. Rohan, sister of AFL player Gary, also finished runner-up in league medal.
32. VANESSA AUGUSTINI, Newtown & Chilwell
The wing attack’s return from having her first child this year was crucial in helping Newtown & Chilwell win the flag after back-to-back losses in 2022-23.
33. EMMA RYDE, Warragul
Accurate goaler who was the leading shooter in the Gippsland league with 869 goals for the season.
34. SHAKARA DELCASTEGNE, Irymple
Midcourt dynamo who broke through for her first Sunraysia league A grade best and fairest win.
35. MAGGIE SMITH, Ouyen United
Teenage rising star who was best-on-court in one of the biggest grand final upsets of 2024 when Ouyen United beat Wentworth, which had not lost a match since the 2019 grand final.
36. BOBBIE-LEE SUTHERLAND, Culcairn
Hume league A grade best and fairest winner in 2024. She is not only well known for her netball talents, but also played high level soccer in Ballarat before returning to the Hume league.
37. MOLLY GRIBBLE, Corio
Star midcourt player who won the Geelong District league best and fairest by one vote to become Corio’s first winner.
38. INDI O’CONNOR, Koroit
Aged only 14, but plays beyond her years in a super strong competition. Saved some of her best performances for finals when Koroit charged into the grand final.
39. GEMMA DIXON, Korumburra-Bena
Joint winner of the West Gippsland league A grade best and fairest for the second year in a row.
40. BROOKE BOLTON, Heathcote
Super consistent player who won the Heathcote District league best and fairest for the third year in a row.
41. KATELYN SUTTON, Learmonth
Two-time premiership mid-court player added Central Highlands league best and fairest win to her career resume.
42. PAIGE BIDDLE, Ararat Eagles
Mininera District league best and fairest winner with a whopping 36 votes.
43. AMANDA Edwards, Wentworth
Prolific scorer for the team that was unbeaten all season until the grand final. Shot 684 goals for the season.
44. GEMMA STACEY, Cora Lynn
Tied for the West Gippsland league A grade best and fairest and broke into the team-of-the-year first time.
45. REBECCA O’NEILL, Ocean Grove
The goal shooter came out of retirement midway through the season to help Ocean Grove go back-to-back over a previously unbeaten Geelong Amateur in the Bellarine league. Averaged 40.6 goals in her 10 games on way to flag, at 89.2 efficiency.
46. RUBY BOWERS, Alvie
Joined some elite company when she became only one of four players to win the Colac District A grade best and fairest in back-to-back seasons. Also played in Alvie’s premiership team.
47. ANGELIQUE ROSS, Belmont Lions
Captained the Lions to their first Geelong District finals appearance in 22 years, with the dominant goal shooter runner-up in the league medal and hot shot winner with 863 goals - 233 more than her nearest rival.
48. CARLY VAN DEN HEUVEL, Bridgewater
Defender who took out the Loddon Valley A grade netball best and fairest award after previously being a three-time Sandhurst premiership player.
49. JEMMA CLARKSON, Stawell
Won an incredible eighth club A grade best and fairest in a season when the Warriors also played finals. Previous winner of the Wimmera league best and fairest.
50. TORI HONNER, St Joseph’s
The experienced goal defender formed part of the league’s best defence with Brooke Allan to help the Joeys reach a grand final.
51. TILLY SHEPHERD, Kyneton
First season in the Riddell District league and Kyneton produced a league best and fairest winner in the star defender, who also played VNL for Melbourne University Lightning.
52. AVA ZADOW, Mildura
Star defender of the Sunraysia league who claimed competition MVP honours in 2024.
53. STACEY LAWRY, Nilma-Darnum
Capped off a season in which she won the Ellinbank District league A grade best and fairest for the second year in a row by playing a starring role the grand final win.
54. RHIANNON MAXWELL, Deniliquin
Star goaler for many years who was named the Murray league’s most valuable player and runner-up in the A grade best and fairest.
55. MIA FALLON, Mooroopna
Returned to the GV this season and stamped her authority on the strong competition. Runner-up in the Wellman Medal.
56. SALLY HUNTER, Corowa-Rutherglen
Made a huge impression in her first season at the O&M club coming out of recess in 2024. The former Osborne coach’s leadership came to the fore as she won the club’s best and fairest. Will coach the club in 2025.
57. MADELINE STONE, Westerns
The gun defender completed the South West Districts and club best and fairest double and will coach the club next year.
58. ELISHA SOBEY, Merrivale
Claimed the Warrnambool District’s Wilma Wallace Medal with a big season in the midcourt for the Tigers.
59. RAHNI STYLES, TTU
Polled votes in the final round to clinch the North Gippsland league best and fairest with the wing attack also claiming team-of-the-year honours.
60. MORGAN MCRAE, Wahgunyah
Teenager who won the Tallangatta and District league best and fairest in her first season in the competition.
61. ELLIE WARNOCK, Euroa
Inspirational on-court leader who led the Magpies to their first GV A grade flag since 1983.
62. BROOKE PAY, Noradjuha-Quantong
Star centre player in the Horsham District league who won another league best and fairest after claiming her first honour in 2018.
63. AMELIA MATHEWSON, Greta
Dominated the league best and fairest count early with 21 votes in the opening 10 rounds before winning comfortably.
64. GEORGIE CARBERRY, Horsham Demons
The 2022 Wimmera league best and fairest who produced another excellent season to finish runner-up.
65. SARAH RITTER, West Gambier
Limestone Coast league best and fairest winner.
66. HANNAH GRADY, Wangaratta
Top-three finish in the O&M’s Toni Wilson Medal. Comfortably sits among the competition’s top performers.
67. SARAH HEPBURN, Lake Boga
Dominant goal scorer for the Central Murray league premiers.
68. MADDISON BETHUNE, Horsham Saints
Awarded best under-21 player in the Wimmera league after finishing joint third in the A grade best and fairest count.
69. SARAH SZCZYKULSKI, Seymour
Third place finish in the GV league best and fairest in a season when she had to step up as teammates succumbed to injury.
70. KARLI MCINTYRE, Swan Hill
Named captain of the Central Murray team-of-the-year with an outstanding season in the centre.
71. BRIDGET CASSAR, Yarrawonga
Yarrawonga won its 10th A grade premiership this season and Cassar has played in all of them. Continues to stamp her authority as a dominant shooter of the O&M.
72. JESS DUKE, Newcomb
After finishing runner-up last year, the Newcomb went one better in finishing tied for the Bellarine A grade best and fairest. Highly regarded by opposing coaches.
73. HANNAH MORTON, Moulamein
Won the Central Murray league best and fairest last year playing for Balranald before doing likewise in her first year in the Golden Rivers league.
74. KIRALEE COLLINGS, Torquay
Made a big impression on the Bellarine league after playing at Gisborne last year. Tied for the A grade best and fairest.
75. NATALIE VERCHER, Wentworth
Brilliant season as goal keeper for Wentworth, which suffered its only loss of the season in the grand final.
76. TAYLA HONEY, Sunbury
Star centre premiership player who was named captain of the Ballarat league team-of-the-year.
77. EMMA PEACOCK, Lake Boga
Was constantly cool in a crisis in defence for the eventual Central Murray league premiers.
78. MACKENSEY HOUSE, Wodonga Raiders
Led her team into a second successive grand final appearance only to be beaten by big game specialists Yarrawonga. The gun defender played her 100th match at A grade level in 2024.
79. CAITLYN WRIGHT, Wy Yung
Runaway winner in the East Gippsland league best and fairest award, beating her closest rival by nine votes.
80. LAURA HURSE, Carisbrook
Polled a whopping 35 votes to win the Maryborough District league best and fairest to help her team into the grand final.
81. DANNI DUNN, Morwell East
Dominant goal scorer in the Mid Gippsland league where she won the league best and fairest for the second year in a row.
82. ELLA ARNOLD, Jerilderie
Jerilderie coach who defied a lack of team success on the court to win the Picola District league best and fairest.
83. MILLIE JENNINGS, Koroit
Rising Star award winner in arguably the state’s premier league this season. Also won Koroit’s best and fairest.
84. MADI LIESCHKE, North Albury
Crowned the O&M’s Rising Star award winner, the North Albury wing attack beat off a hot field of challengers for the coveted gong.
85. MALORY NANKERVIS, Cudgewa
Stormed home late in the season to win another Upper Murray league best and fairest and play in Cudgewa’s premiership team.
86. JEWEL CATLIN, Orbost-Snowy Rovers
The goal keeper won the best and fairest for the team which scored a big upset in the East Gippsland league grand final and was also player of the finals series.
87. DASHA TAYLOR, Gisborne
Stamped herself as one of the most exciting talents coming through the Bendigo league ranks by taking out the competition’s Rising Star award.
88. SAMANTHA GARRAWAY, Bambill
Took out the Dot Wilson Medal for the Millewa league A grade best and fairest.
89. DANIELLE RYAN, Swan Reach
Completed back-to-back Omeo District league best and fairest wins.
90. ELLA KERLIN, Colbinabbin
Big year rewarded with runner-up finish in the Heathcote District league best and fairest.
91. CHELSEA BURNS, Jindera
Always cool under pressure, Burns’ poise in the crucial moments played a big part in Jindera’s Hume league flag.
92. SIENNA GREEN, Warragul
Midcourt player who had a highly consistent season finishing runner-up in the Gippsland league MVP.
93. KELSEY ROWE, Tyntynder
Stamped herself among the Central Murray’s best with selection in the team-of-the-year at wing attack.
94. STEPH THOMSON, Southern Mallee Thunder
Led from the front as Thunder coach to finish joint third in the Wimmera league best and fairest.
95. EMILY MCPHERSON, Osborne
Up-and-coming goal shooter who won the 2024 Hume league Rising Star award. Also plays in the NSW under 17s team.
96. ALEXANDRA LENG, Mildura
Outstanding season rewarded with selection in the centre in Sunraysia team-of-the-year.
97. SARAH KRAUSE, Jindera
Played an integral role in Jindera’s A grade premiership win and finished runner-up in the league best and fairest with her previous O&M experience with Wangaratta Rovers and Myrtleford coming to the fore.
98. AVA HAMILTON, Leitchville-Gunbower
Consistent season rewarded with runner-up finish in the Heathcote District league best and fairest.
99. TAMMY KENNEDY, Chiltern
Recorded back-to-back runner-up finishes in the Tallangatta District league best and fairest.
100. KIRSTY HODGKIN, Bulliioh
Bullioh star player who tied for the Upper Murray league best and fairest.
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