Melbourne Vixens

The finest talent in Victorian netball were recognised over the weekend at the annual Netball Victoria Gala Awards dinner at Zinc, Federation Square.

Victorias netball community swapped their runners for their glad rags to celebrate this years achievements at the glamorous occasion.

Vixens co captain Bianca Chatfield was honoured winning the Melbourne Vixens Most Valuable Player Award. This follows Chatfields outstanding performance during the 2011 ANZ Championship season both as a player and team leader.

"It's a great honor to be recognised with this award but there's always room for improvement. Next season I'll be working extra hard on my speed and vertical jump, especially with the super tall Karyn Bailey joining the team" said Chatfield at the awards.

"The team is now looking ahead and focusing on how we can improve next year. There will definitely be some changes to the way we play, our training and how we analyse the opposition. It's great to have Karyn and Kara Richards on board - they'll add some great height and bring a new set of skills and versatility to the team," she said. 

Victorian Fury shooter and new Vixens team member, Karyn Bailey was presented with the Victorian Fury Most Valuable Player Award.

Bailey said the award topped off a successful season, highlighted by her joining the Melbourne Vixens in the 2012 season.

"The last 12 months have been amazing, especially being given the opportunity to join the Vixens. My personal goal for next season is to reach my full potential as a player and be the best I can be for myself and my teammates. I hope the next 12 months will be as great as the last," Karyn said at the awards.

In the Victorian Netball League, Kathleen Knott from Boroondara Genesis, walked away with two awards; the Championship Division Hot Shot Award for scoring the most goals in the division and the Championship Coaches Most Wanted Award.

Knotts team mate, Melinda Cranston was presented with the prestigious Margaret Caldow Trophy which recognises a Championship Division player who has demonstrated excellence in playing performance.

Netball Victoria CEO, Leigh Russell said the Gala Awards is a great opportunity to celebrate the people who make netball so strong and successful in Victoria.

We are lucky to have some of the most skilled players, coaches, umpires, administrators and volunteers in the country, in our own backyard so its important that we take the time to show them our appreciation and support, Russell said.

The ceremony also included the presentation of the Holden Cruze Cup to the Victorian Netball League premieres, team awards and umpire, coach and administrator awards for those who have made a significant contribution to Victorian netball.   

Leading sports commentator, Angela Pippos hosted the event.

Full list of award winners announced at the 2011 Netball Victoria Awards:

Melbourne Vixens:

2011 Most Valuable Player Bianca Chatfield

Victorian Fury:

Coaches Award  (Presented to an athlete who has shown significant improvement on court either at training or in competition)
Tegan Ashmore

Best Team Person  (Voted by team staff and players for someone who has volunteered their services, provides support to players and staff and represents the team in a professional manner at all times)
Kirsty Barnes

Most Valuable Player (voted by the Coach and Assistant Coach) Karyn Bailey

Holden Cruze Cup (Victorian Netball League):

19 & Under: Premiership - Hume City Falcons

Division 1: Premiership - Boroondara Genesis

Championship:  Premiership - Monash University Central

19/U Hot Shot Award (Highest number of total goals scored) - Chicquita Barr (Yarra Valley Grammar Ariels)

Division 1 Hot Shot - Brooke Lethbridge (Peninsula Waves)

Championship Division Hot Shot  - Kathleen Knott (Boroondara Genesis)

Championship Coaches Most Wanted Award - Kathleen Knott (Boroondara Genesis)

19 & Under Most Valuable Player - Aila Pera  (Southern Saints)

Division 1 Most Valuable Player - Olivia Aughton (Boroondara Genesis)

Championship Division Margaret Caldow Trophy (Celebrates excellence in playing performance)
Melinda Cranston (Boroondara Genesis)

WorkSafe Safety Initiative Awards (Recognition of Associations or Clubs from the WorkSafe Country Netball League that demonstrate exemplary risk management practices in relation to occupational health and safety):

Natte-Bealiba Football Netball Club
Omeo Netball Club

V/Line State Distinction Awards (Recognition of outstanding service to netball in administration, coaching and umpiring):

Eastern Region Janice Hill
Western Region Fran Bell
Central East Region Jenny Dennis
Central West Region Victor Armstrong
Northern Region Susan Lockhart
North East Region Faye Cook

Umpire Badges (Umpires awarded with A Badges) Kathryn Sobey, Amelia Rich