Kyneton defender Tilly Shepherd was halfway around the world when she found out she had won back-to-back Ryan Medals.
Shepherd, who is currently in Europe, missed the Riddell District Football Netball League awards night where she made history as the first player to win the top netball award two years straight.
Shepherd said it would have been nice to be in the room to celebrate the moment but it was still very special.
“It’s such an honour to be awarded the Ryan medal back-to-back,” she said.
“I’m so grateful to have this incredible recognition, particularly amongst so many amazing netballers in this league
“As I’m currently eight hours behind Melbourne time, I didn’t realise it was on until I started getting quite a few messages from friends and teammates congratulating me for the awards I had won.
“It was really quite overwhelming, a mix of being stunned and thrilled.”
Shepherd said it was hard to compare her two medal winning seasons.
Last year was the first year Shepherd had played in the RDFNL after Kyneton switched leagues.
“Personally I felt like I had a pretty consistent season this year in the RDFNL,” she said. “Last year the best and fairest wasn’t even on my radar, like I didn’t even consider myself a contender so I can’t really remember.
“I wouldn’t say the second year made it any easier as such, given Kyneton’s A-grade this year was quite different.
“But in some ways yes it was definitely more comfortable having that familiarity, and not being completely new.”
Kyneton missed finals this year with Shepherd saying the team had really developed as the year went on.
It’s been another big year for Shepherd on the netball court.
After making her Victorian Netball League debut last season, she switched between playing in the 23 and under and championship divisions this year.
She was named in the 23 and under VNL team of the year, while was named best on court in Melbourne University Lightning’s premiership.
“I’ve had a pretty incredible year in terms of my netball achievements, I don’t even think it’s fully sunk in yet,” she said. ”Like it all seems so crazy to be real.”
Shepherd has been promoted into the Lightning’s championship side full time for next season.
It will be another challenge.
“I am so excited to be playing up in champs for Melbourne Uni Lightning next year,” she said.
“A little nervous as well given that I know it’s quite a step up from the under-23s.
“It’s also hard not to feel a little bit of pressure as a player who’s been so highly awarded this season in both VNL and the RDFNL, but mostly I’m really looking forward to developing further as a player and just enjoy playing this wonderful sport that I love.”
