Heard collected the Coaches Most Wanted Award after the season ended at the weekend.

She shared the honour with Maryborough and Castlemaine’s Jessica Williamson, after they both polled the most votes from the league’s coaches.

Each week, votes from opposition coaches were compiled, with three votes, two votes and one vote being awarded to players the opposition coaches wished they had on their team.

Heard said she was humbled by the award.

‘‘It’s a nice feeling. It’s a bit of a consolation prize because we didn’t make the grand final,’’ she said.

The Wimmera side went down by two goals in the semi-final.

‘‘It was a great year, but personally I didn’t feel I played that well,’’ Heard said.

‘‘To be picked out of our team is flattering, because there were a lot of worthy players on our team as well.

‘‘It’s a good start to the season before heading into the home and away with Horsham Demons.’’

The Wimmera Netball Association season kicks off in three weeks.

Heard said it was disappointing to know the Wimmera open side was so close to premiership glory.

But there was still plenty for the group to celebrate, after the Wimmera under-17s side defeated Riddell in the grand final on Friday night.

‘‘It was just fantastic,’’ Heard said.

‘‘I’m so proud of those girls. They were a bit all over the shop with their positions and they were pulled together quickly, but they came together well.

‘‘It was a credit to the coaches as well.

‘‘It’s great for the league knowing that this talent is coming through, so look out for those girls in the A Grade netball in the coming years.’’

Heard said an intense focus on teamwork was the catalyst for both sides’ successes.

‘‘We made sure it was more of a team system,’’ she said.

‘‘To know your team is always there for you on the court is a good feeling.’’