Easy selections: Shepparton United’s Jessie Barnes and Seymour’s Sarah Szczykulski were locks in our Team of the Year.
Photo by
Zac Standish
The 2022 Goulburn Valley League A-grade netball season is now done and dusted — and for supporters from across the region — it was one for the ages.
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Seymour backed up its 2019 triumph with a second straight premiership, Shepparton United star Jessie Barnes rose to legend status by claiming a third consecutive Wellman Family Medal and the ladder was as tight as ever with the top three teams finishing the season on 15 wins.
So following a season filled with so much drama, we at The News thought it would be fitting to put our heads together and select our 2022 Team of the Year.
As per every netball team, we have selected a starting seven, recognising the best player in each position on the court along with a bench of four to round out the side.
Leading our team of GVL all-stars is none other than first-year Seymour mentor Ellie O’Sullivan.
Achieving the rare feat of winning a premiership in her debut season as an A-grade coach, O’Sullivan was any easy selection for this role, with her tactical nous, composure and ability to inspire her team critical to the Lions’ success.
She also backed up her excellent coaching with standout performances on the court, and takes the goal attack bib in our starting seven.
A sharpshooter in attack for the Lions, O’Sullivan’s efforts had her finish equal fourth in the Wellman Family Medal, with her consistency a highlight of her game this season.
Joining O’Sullivan in the goal ring is Barnes, who maintained her mantle as the queen of GV netball with another dominant campaign.
The main cog behind United’s run to the grand final, Barnes was a powerful presence all year, with her strong hands and accurate shooting making her a defender’s nightmare.
She also takes the role as captain, with on-court leadership one of her biggest strengths.
Demons coach Kara Blizzard rounds out the attacking set-up, donning the wing attack bib after a consistent campaign.
Possessing the ability to run all day, Blizzard is as active as they come on court, constantly putting pressure on the opposition with her ability to intercept while also setting up her goalers with precision passing.
Unsurprisingly, the defence is dominated by Seymour, with skipper Sarah Szczykulski lining up at goal keeper and best-and-fairest winner Courtney Aldous at wing defence.
Tasked with battling the top goalers in the competition, Szczykulski consistently made life tough for her opposing numbers, with her ability to contest shots and rebound second to none.
While Aldous has been rewarded for an incredible campaign, where she showcased her versatility to play a number of vital roles for the Lions.
Mooroopna captain Madison Wong fills out the defence, with her exploits critical in the Cats’ success this year.
Standout season: Mooroopna captain Madison Wong was an easy choice at goal defence.
Photo by
Zac Standish
Whether she was marshalling the troops, containing the league’s top attackers or setting up her team’s ball movement, you won’t find a more valuable player to her team than Wong.
As for who takes the critical spot in the midcourt, we simply couldn’t go past Kyabram young gun Hollie Reid.
Fresh off a second-placed finish in the Wellman Family Medal, Reid showed the future is bright at Bomberland, with her ability to get her teammates involved and constantly pressure the opposition making her a true star on the rise.
Two-time Wellman winner Steph Vick headlines the bench, with the Echuca coach producing yet another stirring season.
Defensive duo Bridgette Holt (Rochester) and Tylah Marchbank (Euroa) fly the flag for their respective teams, having produced standout campaigns.
While Shepparton Swans goaler Sophie Atkinson rounds out the team, with her performances in attack nothing short of admirable in what was a tough campaign for her team.
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