2022 Sharelle McMahon Medallist crowned

The Sharelle McMahon Medal is awarded to the Vixens’ most valuable player each year as voted by the coaching panel. Named after club legend Sharelle McMahon in 2014, the medal recognises the athlete that has displayed on-court brilliance during the season.

Returning from a season on the sidelines due to injury in 2021, Watson’s outstanding form and leadership in 2022 were capped off with the award on Thursday night.

Watson polled votes in all but one home and away match to win with a total of 74 votes, ahead of runner up and fellow co-captain Kate Moloney (45 votes).

The win sees Watson equal Geva Mentor’s record (2012, 2014, 2015) as the recipient of three most valuable player awards at the Vixens, her two previous nods coming in 2017 and 2018.

Sharelle McMahon Medal Votes

Liz Watson – 74 votes

Kate Moloney – 45 votes

Jo Weston – 41 votes

Emily Mannix – 30 votes

Mwai Kumwenda – 26 votes

Kiera Austin – 16 votes

Hannah Mundy – 8 votes

Olivia Lewis – 5 votes

Kate Eddy – 3 votes

Rahni Samason – 2 votes

Sharni Lambden – 2 votes

Other awards presented at the event include:

Outstanding Service Award – Dr Peter Browne

Performance analyst Dr Peter Browne received the Outstanding Service Award, voted by all the team staff and athletes and awarded to a person that has significantly contributed to the development of the team, provided great support to athletes and staff across the year and has represented the team in line with the Vixens’ values.

Excellence in Sport & Life – Sharni Lambden

Squad member Sharni Lambden took out the Excellence in Sport & Life award, recognising a player deemed to have demonstrated exceptional skills in balancing sport, study and/or work and achieving high standards across all areas as voted by management, coaching and support staff. Sharni made her Vixens debut in Round 7 against Collingwood Magpies.

Coaches’ Award – Ruby Barkmeyer

Squad member Ruby Barkmeyer received the Coaches’ Award, presented to a player deemed to have shown significant improvement in competition and training and played a valuable role to the team throughout the season, as selected by the coaching staff. Ruby was elevated as a replacement player at various times across the season and played a crucial role in the team’s preliminary final win.

Player of the Finals – Jo Weston

The Player of the Finals Award is voted by the coaching staff, based on the most outstanding player performance across the Vixens’ finals campaign. Across three four-quarter performances, Jo Weston gathered six intercepts and four deflections, her eight gains – including three pickups – coming at crucial times in each match. The preliminary final was a standout, Jo partnering with Emily Mannix to keep the GIANTS to just seven goals in each of the first and last quarters – a remarkable effort against two of the most prolific shooters in the competition.

Volunteer of the Year - Marilla Chant

Newly introduced this year, the Volunteer of the Year Award recognises outstanding service to the Melbourne Vixens throughout the Suncorp Super Netball season. The inaugural winner, Marilla Chant, volunteered her time at all seven Vixens home games in 2022 and her dedication and contribution was invaluable at every game day.

See previous award winners