2019 Sharelle McMahon Medal

2019 Sharelle McMahon Medallist - Emily Mannix

Emily Mannix has well and truly established herself as one of Suncorp Super Netball’s most dominant goalkeepers in the competition. Claiming 45 intercepts out of a total 117 for the entire Melbourne Vixens team, and finishing with 61 deflections and 41 rebounds, Emily has had a standout season.

In round nine Emily proved she is an asset in defence through her impressive versatile style of play, breaking an SSN record of nine intercepts taken in a game, before Shimona Sterling stole the title later in the season.

Alongside her fellow defending counterpart, Jo Weston, Emily’s 2019 season has been one to remember. In rounds’ one and 11, Emily was named Nissan’s Player of the Match, where she overcame leading goalers Shimona Nelson and Romelda Aiken in two big wins for the Vixens. Her ability to provide dynamic pressure in the ring one-on-one while also providing a presence outside the circle and the speed to hunt for an intercept is something that is admired by many.

The team’s first finals victory in the three seasons of SSN was Emily’s first ever, in her Vixens dress and was a momentous occasion in her career. While it was disappointing that she was overlooked for World Cup selection, travelling to Manchester with the Australian Diamonds as a training partner was a chance for Emily to set herself a new challenge heading into the 2020 season.

MVP Runner up - Kate Moloney

Kate Moloney has once again led her team superbly from the centre this year. The Vixens fearless leader has passionately inspired the Vixens all the way to the preliminary final, refusing to give up, as was shown in the final moments of the loss to the NSW Swifts when she single-handily dove for a wondering ball.

Full of animation and renowned for her directional and encouraging use of voice, there really is no one else you would want to have leading your team. Kate finished the season with 1199 Nissan net points, claiming the second highest in the league and a large 291 goal assists, 9 soaring intercepts and 18 deflections.

Kate has performed well against key matchups this year, with famous battles with Laura Langman, Paige Hadley and more recently Ash Brazil. Kate’s aerobic capacity, speed and transitional movement through the court makes her dangerous around a contest and her patience ensures safe entry into the attack end.

Kate delivered an MVP performance in the Vixens dominant 13-goal win over the Collingwood Magpies in the minor semi final and started the season off well claiming Nissan’s Player of the Match in round two against the Giants.

Coaches’ Award - Renae Ingles

What a final season it has been for Renae Ingles, as she has consistently showcased phenomenal performances across the year. Cementing herself as the best wing defence in Australia, Renae has been pivotal in the Vixens defence and attack end, utilising her speed, agility and hands-over defensive pressure to shut down her opposing wing attacks at any given time.

Known to stand up in the crucial moments of the game, Renae was named Nissan’s Player of the Match on three occasions this year, in round three against her previous Thunderbirds team, premiership favourites the Lightning, and in the round seven loss to cross-town rivals the Magpies.

Although the season finished earlier than Renae would’ve hoped in the preliminary final loss, the curtain was drawn on a magnificent individual career. Renae finished the year with an impressive 16 intercepts and 54 deflections, highlighting the immense presence she has defensively to strip her opponent of possession and to create turnovers for the team.

Player of the Finals - Emily Mannix

The Melbourne Vixens finals campaign may have come to an end earlier than we would have liked, however there is no denying the team left it all out on the court. Lets have a look at some of the highlights. This Player of the Finals Award is voted by the coaching staff based on the most outstanding player performance in both the Semi and Preliminary Finals matches.

Excellence in Sport and Life Award - Renae Ingles

Presented to the player deemed to have demonstrated a balanced lifestyle as determined by the Melbourne Vixens management team, coaching and support staff.

Outstanding Service Award - Rebekah Webster

General Manager – Vixens, Performance and Pathways, Bek goes above and beyond her role to ensure the Vixens’ environment provides opportunities for success on and off the court of players and staff. Whether induction with new players or the extra set of hands on the road, her attention to detail is second to none. She is always fixing problems, usually before anyone realises there is one.