Kyneton A-grade defender Tilly Shepherd has won the top individual netball award, the 2024 Ryan Medal, in the Riddell League.
The 22-year-old university student was elated, and also surprised, to top the absorbing medal count by one vote at the league’s presentation night on Thursday evening.
The agile, quick-moving Shepherd played every game and felt she had a very consistent season.
“I wasn’t expecting it, there’s so many amazing players in opposition teams,” she said.
“I definitely prefer the Riddell League to the Bendigo League … we started the season well (beating reigning premiers Woodend-Hesket) but things did not work out as hoped with injuries and an unsettled side.”
In its first season in the RDFNL, Kyneton finished on the bottom of the A-grade netball ladder, but expects to improve significantly next season.
Shepherd’s 21 votes to 20 medal victory has boosted club spirits at Tigerland.
Runner-up was Woodend-Hesket’s playing coach Ty Coppinger, who was looked on as a strong prospect to make it three Ryan medals in succession.
Coppinger was thrilled to lead her side to back-to-back premierships, and was also the recipient of the league’s Most Valuable Player award.
Shepherd and Coppinger both secured places in the Team of the Year.
Rising star was Dakota Lister (Wallan).
Other netball awards went to the following:
Leading goal scorers: B-grade — Tarnee Hammond (Lancefield); C — Tayla Durham (Woodend-Hesket); D — Holly Mason (Gisborne Giants); 19&Under — Elizabeth Crump.
Best defender: B-grade — Beck Anstey (Riddell); C-grade — Brooklyn Anderson (Macedon); D-grade — Stacey Griffin (Gisborne Giants).
TEAM OF THE YEAR
Maeve Donegan (Wallan) goal shooter, Leona Hristovska (Diggers Rest) goal attack, Madison Brown (Riddell) wing attack, Maddi Wallmeyer (Wallan) centre, Dakota Lister (Wallan) wing defence, Ty Coppinger (Woodend-Hesket) goal defence), Tilly Shepherd (Kyneton) goalkeeper. Substitutes — Katie Clarke and Caitlyn Alifrace (both Macedon, Emily Miles (Romsey).
Clarke was appointed coach, and made the team for the 10th year — a fine achievement.
