Deniliquin Rovers netballer Natalie Sampson with her Best and Fairest Picola League award which she was joint winner with Katunga’s Rachael Howden.
Two of the Deniliquin Rovers Netball Club’s stars have taken out Picola League Best & Fairest prizes for season 2022.
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B-grade player Natalie Sampson and C-grade’s Chloe Bulmer both walked away from Monday night’s awards presentations with the top prize.
Bulmer was the outright winner in her category with 36 votes, while Sampson shared the honour with Katunga’s Rachael Howden on 32 votes each.
The B-grade season was tough one for the Rovers, with the team struck down by illness and injury.
They often struggled to fill the side, requiring younger players to step up.
Sampson was surprised to poll so highly in her first B-grade season.
“This was my first year in B-grade and my first league Best & Fairest, so it was quite nerve racking up there (accepting the award),” she said.
“Congratulations to Rachael, a worthy winner also. It perked me up a bit to win alongside a player of her calibre.”
Describing 2022 as “her most fun season yet”, Sampson acknowledges her teammates “for the support and commitment they have shown all year”.
In reference to coach Tim Van Lieshout, Sampson also said “I would like to thank the man of the season and wife Donna, for their support and motivation all year”.
Van Lieshout explained that after years of playing A-grade, Sampson’s decision to drop a grade was due to her family commitments.
It would allow the wife and mother of three to enjoy her netball without the pressure of training two nights a week, and the full commitment that playing A-grade requires.
“Nat played goal keeper for most of her netball career, but this year was given the GD position as her major role,” he said.
“She dominated, which was demonstrated by her Picola League best and fairest win.
“Nat was a strong role model and leader in the defensive end, a smiling assassin and a very deserving champion of the Deniliquin Rovers Football and Netball Club.”
Chloe Bulmer.
Bulmer returned to the Rovers this year after an eight year break, and was among a very competitive field of players.
“We had an awesome coach (in Jemmah Conallin),” Bulmer said.
“It was such a team effort which bought about the best in my game, so a big thanks to them.”
The Rovers C-grade finished the season proper undefeated, only to be knocked out in the finals.
Playing coach Jemmah Conallin said she knew instantly Bulmer was going to be “an asset, and would fit into our team beautifully”.
“Chloe offers a strong link and speed through the midcourt, with a smart netball brain and ability to adapt to the team mates around her.
“She has been a key player in our success this year, finishing the home and away season minor premiers.
“Unfortunately we were unable to take it all the way to the grand final after a loss last week, but we are all very proud and excited to see Chloe take out the top spot in the vote count.”
Other Rovers honoured with special awards at the Picola League count on Monday were seniors footballer Raymond Murphy and A-grade netballer Isabella McIlwain.
Murphy placed third in the Schifferle Transport Award and McIlwain was a finalist in the Rising Star award.
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