Stawell’s Courtney McIlvride held on to win in a tight B Grade vote count on Monday night.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
McIlvride recorded 22 votes to win the top B Grade award.
She finished one vote ahead of Minyip-Murtoa’s Eadie Garth-Lindsay, with Ararat’s Olivia West in third with 20 votes.
McIlvride helped the Warriors to the finals, but they were knocked out by Warrack Eagles in an elimination final.
She was not able to attend the night, with her mother Lisa accepting the award on her behalf.
“Netball is really Courtney’s passion. She comes home from uni every week to train and play,” she said.
“She is passionate about netball and about the Stawell Warriors so I would like to thank the club.”
Courtney McIlvride said she was disappointed not to be there but excited to win the award.
She said this season has been one of her favourites “in a long time”.
“Going to uni there is a lot of travel but the team is amazing and I had the best time,” she said.
“The girls in the team make me want to come home and train and play each week.”
Garth-Lindsay received two votes in the final round of the season, narrowly missing out on being an joint winner with McIlvride.
She said it took her by surprise how well she polled.
“I almost had it there which was a surprise. I didn’t actually think I played a great season this year,” she said.
“II had a break last season playing volleyball so i didn’t think i was in great form this year.”
She said her clean play may have helped her poll well.
“People say I am a clean player and don’t contact too much so that may have helped,” she said.
“I really enjoyed coming back and being in such a supportive team with a lot of laughs.”