2024 Sharelle McMahon Medallist crowned

Named after club legend Sharelle McMahon in 2014, the medal is the club’s highest individual honour, awarded to the Vixens’ most valuable player each year as voted by the coaching panel.

Austin’s exceptional form throughout the 2024 season was rewarded with the nod at Saturday night’s celebration, the 26-year-old polling votes in 10 of 14 home and away matches to win with a total of 53 votes, ahead of runner up, club captain Kate Moloney (46 votes).

With a season total of 362 goals including 70 super shots, 311 feeds, 332 centre pass receives, 11 intercepts and 22 deflections across 17 matches, Austin played a critical role in her side’s impressive season, winning 11 from 14 regular season matches and earning a place in the Grand Final.

Following standout performances in the Vixens’ clutch preliminary final win over West Coast Fever and heartbreaking two-goal loss to the Adelaide Thunderbirds in the Grand Final, Austin also received the Player of the Finals award.

Sharelle McMahon Medal Votes

Kiera Austin – 53 votes
Kate Moloney – 46 votes
Jo Weston – 38 votes
Emily Mannix – 29 votes
Sophie Garbin – 27 votes
Hannah Mundy – 24 votes
Zara Walters – 18 votes
Rudi Ellis – 9 votes
Sharni Lambden – 4 votes
Kate Eddy – 2 votes
Lily Graham – 2 votes

OTHER AWARDS

Coaches’ Award – Zara Walters
Zara Walters received the Coaches’ Award, presented to a player who has shown significant improvement and played a valuable role for the team throughout the season, selected by the coaching staff.

Outstanding Service Award – Dr Peter Browne
Performance scientist Dr Peter Browne was awarded the Outstanding Service Award, voted by team staff and athletes, and awarded to those that have provided great support to athletes and staff across the year and represented the team in line with the Vixens’ values.

Excellence in Sport & Life Award – Jo Weston
Jo Weston took out the Excellence in Sport & Life Award, recognising a player deemed to have demonstrated exceptional skills in balancing sport, study and work.

Rookie of the Year – Zara Walters
Midcourter Zara Walters received the Rookie of the Year award in her first season as a Vixen, presented to a player deemed by the coaching staff to have contributed significantly to team culture.

Player of the Finals – Kiera Austin
Sharelle McMahon Medallist Kiera Austin was also named Player of the Finals, presented to the athlete deemed by the coaching staff to have performed above and beyond for the team during the finals series.

Volunteer of the Year – Jenny Doll
Jenny Doll was awarded the Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognises the efforts of individuals who contribute outstanding services to support the delivery of Melbourne Vixens home games.

See previous award winners