Moloney awarded Sharelle McMahon Medal, second year running

Presented at a completely virtual event, with all players, staff and fans watching live on Facebook and YouTube, Moloney ended the night on 67 votes, three ahead of runner up, goaler Mwai Kumwenda (64 votes). Votes were submitted after each game by the Vixens coaching staff who followed a 3, 2, 1 system.

This is the second MVP award for Moloney, who was also crowned the Sharelle McMahon medallist in the Vixens’ championship winning year in 2020.

Head coach Simone McKinnis congratulated her captain on the award.

“It’s different in just the challenges that Kate faced as a player on court and off court as well, and still being able to perform, regardless of what was going on around the team,’’ said McKinnis.

“Right from the start she was really consistent in one of the hardest seasons, and being put through the wringer in so many ways, she was still working for the good of the team, helping those around her and making sure that everybody was getting through it OK, but still giving everything she’s got out there on court.

“You could just see her fighting every step of the way, game after game. She just gives everything she’s got to the contest. No matter what the score was or what was happening in the game, she was just throwing herself at everything.’’

While the season didn’t go as expected for the Vixens, the accolades presented across the night were deservedly celebrated.

Goaler Mwai Kumwenda was awarded Runner Up MVP, her highest ever finish since joining the Vixens in 2017.

Coaches’ Award went to captain Kate Moloney, seeing her unwavering support and leadership recognised and appreciated by head coach, Simone McKinnis.

Rookie of the Year was presented to debutant Hannah Mundy who began season as a temporary replacement player for Liz Watson (foot injury) and cemented her spot in the starting seven for each game.

Juggling work and life on the road as a Vixen, Allie Smith took out the Excellence in Sport and Life award, while team manager Lisa Taylor and strength and conditioning coach, John Tascone shared the Outstanding Service Award.

In a special presentation for the night, General Manager Rebekah Webster received the Team Spirit Award for her efforts behind the scenes over the last two years, to ensure the Vixens were in the right place, at the right time and able to get on court and continue the season – even if that meant packing up and leaving cities at the drop of a hat.

A coveted award, presented by the playing group and coaches in unique circumstances, the last Team Spirit Award was presented to Cath Cox in 2014.

The Vixens now close their 2021 season and prepare for the next, however timelines for the contracting period are yet to be announced by the league.

SHARELLE MCMAHON MEDAL VOTES

Kate Moloney (67 votes)

Mwai Kumwenda (64 votes)

Jo Weston (29 votes)

Kadie-Ann Dehaney (26 votes)

Hannah Mundy (19 votes)

Emily Mannix (13 votes)

Kaylia Stanton (9 votes)

Rahni Samason (9 votes)

Kate Eddy (5 votes)

Allie Smith (4 votes)

Ruby Barkmeyer (1 vote)

Sharelle McMahon Medal – Kate Moloney

Runner Up MVP – Mwai Kumwenda

Coaches Award – Kate Moloney

Rookie of the Year – Hannah Mundy

Excellence in Sport and Life – Allie Smith

Outstanding Service Award – Lisa Taylor and John Tascone

Team Spirit Award – Rebekah Webster