Following one of the most memorable seasons of A-grade netball in the Goulburn Valley League it is time to cast our eyes back over the top performers in 2023.
The News’ sports desk has selected our A-grade Team of the Year and it was no easy feat.
Once again, the level of class in the GVL A-grade stood out over the course of the year and we saw the competition increase its standing as one of the premier netball leagues in regional Victoria.
The quality of players bringing their talents to the league is a credit to clubs and the amount of home-grown stars featuring in the Victorian Netball League is further proof of the competition’s elite standing.
We witnessed sides, and players, create history in 2023.
Tatura made finals for the first time in 17 years while Euroa booked a ticket in the grand final after a four-decade wait.
As we mentioned, selecting the 11 players and coach for our Team of the Year was a challenging task.
Sarah Szczykulski (GK)
We kick things off in the defensive circle — arguably the easiest selections we made — with Seymour superstar Sarah Szczykulski in goal-keeper.
Szczykulski has been one of the league’s best defenders in recent years and finally added a Wellman Family Medal to her impressive resume.
The three-time premiership Lion claimed an elusive league best-and-fairest accolade to rubber stamp her standing as one of the best ring defenders we have seen.
The VNL talent had her year cruelly cut short on the eve of finals with a knee injury, sustained in the ANL, that ruled her out for the remaining GVL season.
Szczykulski’s remarkable ability to read the play, combined with her height and athleticism makes her a force to be reckoned with.
Tylah Marchbank (GD)
Joining her in defence is Euroa’s Tylah Marchbank.
The former Benalla defender finished in the top-10 of the Wellman Medal count following a superb year that resulted in a grand final appearance.
Marchbank formed a potent defensive end with Euroa coach Ellie Warnock and was key to the Magpies featuring in this year’s grand final.
Her intercepting and leadership skills rival the best in the league and she edged out strong competition.
Goal-defence was one of the trickiest positions to fill but Marchbank gets the nod.
Casey Adamson (WD)
Casey Adamson is no stranger to our Team of the Year, however we have slotted her from the usual Seymour position in centre to wing-defence.
Just the 13 games for the Super Netball gun but in each appearance she was one of Seymour’s top performers.
The strong and skilful midcourter finished the league best-and-fairest vote count in fourth spot which is all you need to know of her outstanding year on the court.
Elsie Boyer (C)
It is safe to say that Elsie Boyer burst onto the scene in 2023.
That’s not to say that the Tatura livewire hasn’t been on the radar, but you felt her game went to another level this year.
Boyer’s remarkable work-rate, electric ball movement and passing caught the eye and the teenager was rewarded for her stellar year with a runner-up finish in the Wellman Family Medal.
Boyer’s role through the midcourt for the Bulldogs was instrumental in leading them to a memorable finals win over Seymour and she is our pick for the centre spot.
Asha Gray (WA)
Another of the competition’s rising stars, Asha Gray slots into our wing-attack position.
The Mooroopna young gun starred in 2023 through the midcourt and finished third in the league best-and-fairest.
Gray’s precision passing and her smart feeds into the goaling circling were highlights from her year on the court.
Gray also made an appearance in the GVL interleague side that defeated Ovens and Murray.
Teal Hocking (GA)
One of the most exciting teenagers in the competition, Teal Hocking enjoyed a fantastic year for Rochester.
The star goaler, when not lining up for Victoria at the under-19 championships, was a shining light for the Tigers as they battled for a finals spot.
The teenager’s dead-eye shooting, passing into the ring circle and quick movement was on full display.
Hocking, a City West Falcon, also made the VNL Division One Team of the Year and showcased her talents on the representative stage for the GVL.
Sheridan Townrow (GS)
The last spot on the court was one of the hardest to pick but it was made easier thanks to September glory.
Sheridan Townrow secured the goal-shooter bib thanks to leading her side to grand final glory over Euroa.
The dominant, towering and smart goaler rarely missed a shot and was the final piece of Echuca’s premiership puzzle and claimed best-on-court honours in the decider.
Townrow was also a member of the GVL’s interleague squad.
Belinda Lees (Coach)
Belinda Lees beat out high-quality challengers for the coaching role.
Echuca’s mentor juggled the difficulties of playing and coaching but capped off a brilliant year with yet another A-grade premiership medal.
Bench
Steph Vick (Echuca): The competition stalwart finished fourth in the Wellman vote count, five votes shy of what would have been her fourth medal. Extraordinary longevity from one of the best players we have witnessed.
Hollie Reid (Kyabram): Another of the league’s rising stars, the jet midcourter was a standout in a Bombers outfit that struggled to challenge for finals.
Maddison Wong (Mooroopna): The Mooroopna captain was edged out by Sarah Szczykulski, however we have found space on the bench for the star defender. Formed a dangerous partnership with Caitlin McLachlan.
Jane Cook (Shepparton): One of the premier shooters to grace the competition. Although her appearances were limited for the Bears, Cook was vital in just about every game she fronted up in.
Unlucky to miss
As always it’s tough to fit every standout player into 11 spots.
The following players can count themselves unlucky not to feature in our Team of the Year.
Ash Mangan (Echuca), Chelsea McDonald (Shepparton Swans), Molly Kennedy (Tatura), Mia Sudomirski (Euroa), Kellie Davidson (Euroa), Caitlin McLachlan (Mooroopna), Ash Lancaster (Mooroopna), Tannar Edwards (Shepparton), Molly Boyle (Tatura), Laura Cole (Shepparton United).