Werribee Centrals’ Amanda O’Malley has taken out her first Geelong and District Netball League’s Margaret Webb medal.
It is the first time the veteran has been awarded the league’s best and fairest after finishing runners up in 2018 and third last season. She shared the medal with Thomson’s Emma Witham, who has also previously been runners-up.
“I was pretty shocked, if I’m honest, to get that award so late in my career,” O’Malley said. “I’m very humbled to receive it and it’s nice to have that up my sleeve.”
This was also the eighth consecutive season O’Malley has been named in the GDNL team of the year and her first as captain of the side.
The defender has been one of the stars of the competition for a number of years.
“It’s an honour to be in the team of the year for that many years,” she said.
“I think consistency is key and as I’ve grown as a player over the years, confidence is built and trust in my teammates and coaches.
“It’s just maturing that has played a key part in my success.
“Being captain was an honour too.
“It’d be great if those girls could get out and play together in an inter-league match. I’d love to lead them out onto the court but it’s nice to have that title as well.”
The latter part of the season has been frustrating for O’Malley with a back injury seeing her miss her side’s semi final last week. The Centurions will play in a preliminary final on Saturday to try and get back to a second straight grand final.
“My back’s ok, it’s been better,” she said. “Hopefully, I can get it right.
“Just see how I go this weekend or whether I save it for potentially the grand final, we’re just going to play it by ear and see how it goes.”
After winning best on court in last year’s grand final O’Malley is determined to get back onto the court for a winning one, especially in what could be her last season.
“Most of us, myself included and I know some of the other girls [it’s our] potentially last season this year,” she said.
“All good things must come to an end, so we really want to get that premiership if we can.
“We’ll see what next year brings, can’t write it off, but I know some of us are getting to the end of our playing days.”
Harper Sercombe
