Narre Warren’s Gabrielle Dwyer capped off a strong individual season to win the Southern Netball A1 best and fairest with 25 votes.
The assistant coach polled well throughout the entire count, earning recognition for her strong season in goal defence which helped the Magpies finish second on the ladder.
Dwyer said it was disappointing for the side to exit finals in straight sets, but was happy she was able to contribute well throughout the season.
“I’ve put in a lot of work this season, so it was nice to be recognised at the end,” she said.
“Over the past couple of years I have struggled with injury, so this was my first full year, mostly injury free.
“I felt like I was finally back to playing my best netball again, which felt really good.”
Narre Warren’s strength was showcased in the team’s 12-3 season record; Dwyer was also one of three local players to be named in the Southern A1 Team of the Year.
Grace Loelu (goal shooter) capped off her brilliant season under the ring with selection into the team, also finishing fourth in the vote count with 12 votes, while captain Brittany Mashado made the team as a reserve.
“I didn’t think I would poll as well as I did, I missed a few games and we have some great players in our team, I thought we would probably take votes off each other ,” Dwyer said.
It was the first time that the 26-year-old had taken on the assistant coaching role, working closely alongside head coach Michelle Mashado throughout the year.
“I’m so proud of the girls this season, we came into a new league and were up against some really talented players, as well as a lot of girls who play VNL,” Dwyer said.
“Obviously disappointed to not go all the way, but as a team we had a really fun year and are happy to have been able to be competitive against the top teams throughout the rounds.”
Dingley defeated Cheltenham 48-33 in the Southern A1 grand final on the weekend, while Dwyer and her Narre Warren side will prepare to go a couple better in 2026 and achieve premiership glory.
