Yarrawonga local and previous Pigeon Under 17s Best and Fairest Morgan McRae has been recognised for her netball ability, claiming the TDNL A Grade Best and Fairest.
Morgan, an 18-year-old who made the move from Yarrawonga to Wahgunyah in the Tallangatta and District Football Netball League this season, had a standout year for the Lions, debuting in senior netball and claiming the top gong by just one vote with 35 votes for the season.
“It was an amazing experience winning the title of best and fairest for the TDNL, I wasn’t expecting anything but a good night and ended up very successful!” Morgan said.
“To be recognised was an amazing feeling, all the hard work I’d put in as well, as the club, had paid off so it was all worth it.
“Netball is my favourite hobby, I love not only the game but all the fun that comes along with it and during the year I made some beautiful lifelong friends that I will forever be grateful for.”
Previous to the 2024 season, Morgan had played all of her netball at home club Yarrawonga, where only last year she claimed the Under 17s Best and Fairest as a top age player.
Whilst a hard decision to leave her home club, Morgan was up to the challenge of playing senior netball in a differing league to what she had been accustomed.
“The decision to come over to Wahgunyah all originated from my partner Riley O’Kane who had a great opportunity in coaching the seniors this year,” Morgan said.
“As my decision did not depend on Riley, I thought it was time to reach out and try something different with my netball as I’d played at Yarrawonga my whole life.
“On that note I am very keen to stick out another year at Wahgunyah after our fantastic season this year.”
While the award is recognition of Morgan’s individual talent on the court, she knows it is not possible without the help of others in the background.
“I had a great year with netball and feel I have grown a lot as a player,” Morgan said.
“I owe it all to my mum, she really is the reason I got to pursue my love for the game. She was always happy driving me every week for the past years and supported every decision I made along the way, so I’m very grateful for her.
“Also, my amazing coach Lauren Connell. She did a lot for me during the year, welcoming me, including me, mentoring me. She was so easy to get along with and helped keep netball fun!
“But overall it was one of the best experiences and I feel very blessed with all the love I’ve received and cannot wait for next season.”
Mum Jacinta and dad Steve are understandably very proud of their daughter and her efforts, excited to see her being recognised for her gun-ho attitude on the court.
“We’re extremely proud of her success. It’s not everyday you won a Under 17s club b&f then the next year you follow it up with winning a league A Grade B&F,” Jacinta said.
“We could not be prouder of her and love seeing her enjoying herself on the court and being recognised for her talents.”