Kyneton defender Tilly Shepherd made history on Wednesday night as she became the first player to win back-to-back Riddell District Netball League Ryan Medals.
After claiming the league’s top netball honour last year, Shepherd was again awarded the top honour at the league awards.
Shepherd, who missed the night as she was overseas, finished ahead of Lancefield’s Mia Daly.
Heading into the final round Shepherd was in front and when Daly didn’t play in her final game, Shepherd had done enough to get the job done.
To cap off the season, she finished with three votes in Kyneton’s final round win.
Riddell’s Mady Brown finished third on 22 votes. A final round bye meant she couldn’t catch Shepherd.
The Kyneton star defender also claimed the most valuable player award.
Shepherd, Daly and Brown were all named in the starting side of the team of the year.
Brown created history as she was also named in the women’s football team of the year, the first to be named in both in the same season.
Melton Centrals’ goaler Imogen Sexton finished equal fourth in the Ryan medal count and was awarded the best young player award.
Macedon’s Molly McGrath also finished equal fourth with Gisborne Giants’ Emma Vitalone finishing fifth.
Others in the netball team of the year were Romsey’s Charlize Bellette, Gisborne Giants Emma WInfield, Woodend-Hesket’s Hayley Rogers, Tayissa Coppinger and Georgia Bowkett, Macedon’s Molly McGrath and Riddell’s Bec Colwell.
Gisborne Giants’ AJ Craske was named coach of the team of the year in his first season in the competition.
