Sport
Shepparton United goaler Jessie Barnes makes history with Wellman Family Medal victory
The list of back-to-back-to-back Wellman Family medallists is an incredibly short one.
So short in fact, there is just one name on it.
Jessie Barnes.
The Shepparton United goaler made history on Wednesday night at Tatura Park, claiming a third consecutive Goulburn Valley League A-grade best-and-fairest crown, with her 31 votes having her six clear of runner-up Hollie Reid from Kyabram.
A champion in every sense of the word, Barnes has been without a doubt the dominant GVL netballer of the past five years, with her sharpshooting and presence in the goal circle helping lead United into successive grand final appearances.
But off the court, you will struggle to find a more humble superstar and she said her 2022 Wellman Family Medal victory came as a major shock.
“It is pretty crazy (to win again) and very surreal, I didn’t think it’d be possible for someone my age, but here we are,” Barnes said.
“Honestly I didn’t think I was much of a chance coming in, I know the calibre of the competition and there are some great players, so I had no expectations.
“As the count went on the heart rate went up and I got a bit sweaty, you see the likes of Steph Vick and Hollie Reid also polling well and it made for a tight finish, so to come away (with the win) it is a massive honour.”
Although the result ended up being the same, all three of Barnes’ winning seasons have been different and presented unique challenges.
Whether it has been juggling Victoria Netball League commitments, the COVID-19 pandemic or injuries, Barnes has still managed to give her best week in and week out for the Demons — with consistency the secret to her success.
Reflecting on season 2022, Barnes revealed thoughts that her game had regressed slightly in the past 12 months, with the impact of her teammates key to her winning a third straight medal.
“I personally thought I tapered off a little bit this year,” she said.
“I wasn’t down in Melbourne as much with the VNL, I had a major injury in round one where I missed the Bears game in round two and was playing on one foot there for a bit, so it took me a bit to get back into it.
“But being part of such an exciting group of girls has really lifted me this year, we all feed off each other and love playing with each other, so for me especially I wouldn’t be able to do the things that I do without the help of such good teammates.
“It’s a great feeling to bring this accolade back to the club and share it with the girls.”
But while she appreciates the magnitude of her personal achievements, there is one thing Barnes craves more than anything.
A premiership medallion with Shepparton United.
“One hundred per cent I would trade this medal in a heartbeat for a premiership medallion,” Barnes said.
“I am very nervous heading into the game on Sunday and approaching it very realistically in the fact that it is going to be such a close game that could go either way.
“There is most definitely this feeling of redemption on my mind (from 2019), the fire in the belly is a bit more prominent then it usually is, I would love nothing more than to bring the flag back to United and cannot wait to get into it on Sunday.”