Kyneton’s dynamic goalkeeper Tilly Shepherd has scored a convincing win in the 2025 Ryan Medal for the top netballer in the Riddell League.
It’s an outstanding double for Shepherd, who also won the prestigious medal last season — her first with Kyneton Football Netball Club.
Although unable to attend the medal count held at Melton Entertainment Park last Wednesday evening, there was plenty of applause to acknowledge the Kyneton star’s achievement.
Swift moving, with fine interception skills, Shepherd has been kept busy in defence for Kyneton again this season, repelling numerous attacks.
The vote count soon revealed which players were going to be in contention, and there were a few surprises.
Shepherd polled consistently to tally 27 votes, five clear of Lancefield’s skilful attacker Mia Daly. Both were selected in the team of the year.
Shepherd also took out the Most Valuable Player award.
Woodend’s playing coach Ty Coppinger already had two Ryan Medals to her credit.
As well as winning the top defender award in A-grade, Coppinger had the satisfaction of leading the Hawks’ A-graders to a third successive premiership.
Sheppard has been a Melbourne University student for several years, and her netball has been enhanced by playing for Melbourne University Lightning.
She was outstanding as goalkeeper early in August when the VNL 23 and Under Lightning side upset favourites Geelong Cougars 54-42 in the grand final.
OTHER GRADES
The Rising Star in A-grade was Emogen Sexton (Melton Centrals)
Leading scorers across all grades: A — Charlize Bellette (Romsey), B — Shelby Holter (Riddell), C — Rebecca Newbery (Gisborne Giants), D — Anna Edmonds (Melton Centrals), 19&U — Keira Wilson (Diggers Rest).
OTHER AWARDS
In B-grade, experienced shooter Shelby Holter (Riddell) won the medal from Tarnee Hammond (Lancefield).
Best in C-grade was the dominant Tamika Bishop (Macedon), from Alexis-Louise De Ruiter (Riddell).
Anna Edmonds (Melton South) finished ahead of joint runners-up Taylah Durham (Kyneton) and Keira Wilson (Diggers Rest), and Erin Kelly (Diggers Rest) was the 19&U winner from Ava Binney (Romsey).
