No one was more surprised than Hope Evans when she was named the Western Water player of the year at the Riddell District Football Netball League awards night on Wednesday.
Having taken out the sharp shooter award and being named as goal shooter in the A-grade team of the year, Evans was voted the best player in the competition by the coaches.
A shocked Evans said it was the last thing she had expected having originally not been on the invite list to the awards night.
“This is a complete surprise,” she said minutes after winning.
“I am probably the oldest player in A-grade getting around at the moment.
“To win a spot in team of the year is one thing but to win player of the year voted by the coaches has blown my mind, especially since the last 10 days I have had so many emotions going through my head about my own performance and my ability to go on next year.”
Evans said since the Redbacks had exited the finals, she had been considering her netball future.
This is despite topping the A-grade goal scoring tally with 732 goals for the year, including shooting 90 goals in one game against the Sunbury Kangaroos.
The mother of three has even considered quitting altogether.
“I’ve had a week and a half of thinking am I even going to go on next year or am I still up for playing the top level netball. Should I drop down or maybe should I quit all together.
“I haven’t come to a decision and everyone I’ve spoken to about it has given me a lot of different opinions.
“Some people are pushing me to go with my own decision and how I feel personally and physically. Others are saying don’t do it you’re a gun and don’t leave you are an A-grade player and couldn’t possibly drop down.”
Evans said mentally she could play on next season in A-grade, but wasn’t sure physically if she was up to it.
“There are so many things to take into account.
“I have to take into account how my body feels after every game as I do get sore. I am a goal shooter and I am a target, as I am a decent player and I do get physically targeted in every game.
“Winning this award makes it harder for me and I’m now questioning whether I can go on.
“Mentally I can still do it and physically against some of the weaker sides I can do it, but against the tougher sides it takes a lot more out of me.
“Those girls are physically tough and most are 10 years younger than me.
“It’s something to think about and if I do stop playing A-grade this is a good way to finish.”
