Clifford claims VNL MVP
By Kieran Iles
The Bendigo Times
BENDIGO Strikers and Sandhurst young gun Shae Clifford has been rewarded for an outstanding Victorian Netball League season by being crowned the league’s 23-and-under MVP.
The 21-year-old, who captained the Strikers’ 23-and-under team this season, polled votes in 12 of 18 games to claim the top individual honour.
A big awards night, which coincided with VNL grand finals night, capped a stellar second season in the state’s premier netball competition by the Strikers, who reached the championship semi-finals and 23-and-under elimination finals, and produced a remarkable six team of the year selections.
Defenders Zoe Davies and Charlotte Sexton, goaler Teal Hocking and midcourter Emma Walters were all named in 12-player championship team of the year, while Clifford and defender Eliza Mooney were selected in the 23-and-under team of the year.
Davies and Hocking play in the BFNL with Gisborne and Kangaroo Flat respectively, while Sexton – a training partner with Suncorp Super Netball premier Melbourne Vixens this season – previously played with Sandhurst.
Clifford was recognised for her composure, ball security and impact through the midcourt, in a season in which she played nearly every minute and led her team to its first ever VNL finals appearance.
A key stabiliser in transition, Clifford’s sharp change of direction and ability to find space were standout features all season.
Her presence on circle edge and control under pressure gave the Strikers a reliable link between defence and attack, rounding out an impressive and consistent campaign, in just her second full season playing VNL and third overall.
Strikers 23-and-under coach Carol Cathcart was quick to lavish Clifford with praise.
“This award is well earned recognition of Shae’s dedication to develop her skills and the leadership she has provided to our team,” she said.
“Her speed, change of direction and quick ball release were instrumental in setting up our attack this year.”
Clifford, the Strikers’ inaugural 23-and-under club best and fairest in 2024, will start as the favourite to claim this year’s award when it is presented this Saturday night in Bendigo.
With four players selected in the championship team of the year, the Strikers are the best represented club, ahead of Boroondara Express (3), City West Falcons (2), Hawks (2) and Casey Demons (1).
Under the team of the year criteria, each club nominates four players from each area of the court who they would like on their ultimate team (without voting for their own).
The top four players with the most votes make the team.
All four Strikers players have previously been selected in VNL teams of the year, while playing for City West Falcons.
Strikers president Melinda Keighran said the club was ‘incredibly proud’ of Clifford’s achievement as league MVP.
"Shae leads by example both on and off the court and has been an outstanding leader for our 23-and-under team,” she said.
“To have Shae and Eliza Mooney named in the 23-and-under team of the year, and Charlotte Sexton, Zoe Davies, Teal Hocking and Emma Walters named in the championship team of the year, is something truly special.
“In just our second season - and our first finals appearance in the VNL - to have six of our players recognised at this level is extraordinary.
“It’s a testament to their talent, commitment, and the strength of our program.”
With her VNL commitments completed and the MVP award safe in her keeping, Clifford will turn her focus to playing a key role in Sandhurst’s push for a BFNL A-grade premiership.
The Dragons will enter a round 15 clash against Golden Square at Wade Street in second place on the ladder with a 10-2 record.
Kangaroo Flat sits atop the ladder with an unblemished 12-0 record.
