Sport
23 September, 2021
Alice claims another league best and fairest
IT is not often someone can call themselves a dual league best and fairest winner, let alone at only 15 years of age.
IT is not often someone can call themselves a dual league best and fairest winner, let alone at only 15 years of age.
But Terang Mortlake netballer Alice Suhan can rightly claim that title, having tied for the 15 and under Hampden league netball best and fairest on Saturday.
The goal attack, who also won a league best and fairest in the 13 and under section in 2019, tied with close friend and Cobden defender Matilda Darcy.
The pair finished on 20 votes apiece in a fitting finish to the count.
Alice said her win was “pretty exciting” and was equally as good to share with Matilda.
“I definitely wasn’t expecting it but it’s a great feeling and it’s good to win it with Matilda as well,” she said.
“Matilda’s a great little player, and is definitely one of the harder ones to play on in the league and is bottom age as well so it’s an unreal effort.
“She’s a really great defender and is hard to play on. She works to the ball really well and is an all-round really good player.”
Alice’s netball was developed further this season by Bloods senior coaches Liz Fowler and Jess Baxter with games in the open and division one sections.
She said the higher-grade experience “was a good taste tester” to what to expect in the future and one she enjoyed.
“The physical side is a big step up from juniors,” Alice said.
“You just get a real taste of what it’s going to be like (when you fully progress) and it builds your skills.
“I head to the 17s next year and I hope to get a few open games but we’ll see what happens.”
Alice said she was enjoying playing at Terang Mortlake after starting her career at another club.
She said her coaches Emma Lucas and the late Symone Moloney had been a positive influence on her netball thus far.
“My family used to play for Kolora Noorat in the Warrnambool and District league and then we moved across to Terang when I was under 12s bottom age,” Alice said.
“I’ve played there ever since (I came across) and Symone Moloney has been my coach I think for three years and then Emma took over this year.
“It’s been really good.”
Fellow Bloods netballer Linda Clifford polled well in the division two count to finish fourth with 16 votes.
Grace Wareham was third with 21 votes in the 17 and under count, while Charli Dillon was fourth in the 13 and under award.
Tayla Bell finished tied for second in the 13 and under reserves netball count, while Simon Atkinson finished equal fifth in the Judd Cup.