Star Strikers midcourter claims league MVP award

A MOST Valuable Player (MVP) award for 23-and-under captain Shae Clifford and six team of the year selections highlighted an extraordinary Victorian Netball League awards night for the Bendigo Strikers on Wednesday.

Held in conjunction with VNL grand finals night in Melbourne, the awards recognised the league’s brightest and best performers across the 2025 season.

The Strikers, who capped a stellar second season in the state’s premier netball competition by reaching the championship semi-finals and 23-and-under elimination finals, produced a remarkable six team of the year selections.

Defenders Charlotte Sexton and Zoe Davies, 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.

Clifford’s selection ensured dual 2025 season honours for the star centre after she was crowned the 23-and-under season MVP.

The 21-year-old 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 and saw her poll votes on 12 occasions throughout the 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.

A dual grand final MVP winner with her former club, Davies earned previous championship team of the year selections in 2022 and 2023.

Sexton – a training partner with Suncorp Super Netball premier Melbourne Vixens this season – was selected in the 19-and-under team of the year in 2023.

Hocking was a division one team of the year selection in 2023, while Walters was previously named in the 19-and-under team of the year in 2019.

A pillar in defence, Mooney’s 23-and-under team of the year selection added to a growing list of 2025 season accolades for the 19-year-old, who hails from Wodonga.

In April, she represented Victoria for the second straight year at the 19-and-under national championships.

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.”

In other league awards, Boroondara Express midcourter Casey Adamson claimed the championship MVP, while City West Falcons’ Jane Cook (championship) and North East Blaze’s Olivia Cawthray (23-and-under) won the respective hot shot awards as leading goal scorers.