Tongala’s Abbey Nexhip and Ashlee Watson walked away from the Murray Football League’s night of nights with best-and-fairest medals wrapped around their neck.
Nexhip tied Mulwala’s Nat Ferguson for the B-grade best-and-fairest with 25 votes.
It’s the first of hopefully two medals for the Tongala stalwart this week, with Nexhip’s Blues playing Moama in the grand final.
“Many people underestimate how exciting it is to play in finals,” she said.
“Not a lot of people get to do it in their lifetime, so I’m very excited to get out on the court, and whatever happens, happens.
“We haven’t been able to get Moama yet, but there’s always stories of getting to finals and anything happening.
“Hopefully, we can pull through, but it will be a tough ask against a strong team.”
Nexhip also notched her 100th club game earlier in the year.
For Watson, her C-grade triumph is her second in three years after winning the 2021 medal.
Watson finished four votes clear of Deniliquin’s Lily Den Houting with 29.
A focus on enjoying the game and a strong club culture are elements Watson pointed to as a bonus to her success, as well as family support for the mother of three.
“We just get out there and have a good time,” she said.
“Individual awards are great, but for us, it’s all about the team.
“My mum has been great this year helping out with the kids and my husband Mark.
“We come from a great club and have great support around us.”
A strong Blues contingent will make the journey to Moama this Saturday, and Watson said the club had one goal in mind.
“We’re looking forward to this weekend. We’re only going to Moama for one thing and that’s to win — all three of our netball teams,” she said.
“Our supporters (at the preliminary final) were amazing to help us get over the line. They’re always yelling, always cheering, always firing us up.”