Best and fairest of them all

SHE’S one of Queanbeyan Netball’s brightest prospects and last Saturday Georgia Stephinson became the youngest player in nearly a decade to be named as the association’s division one player of the year.

In her first season in the top grade, the 15-year-old beat out a number of far more experienced players to claim the trophy after a stand-out year in the Jerra Joeys’ midcourt.

In a beaten side, Stephinson was arguably the best player on court in last weekend’s grand final against Waratah, only adding to her reputation as an emerging talent.

The last 15-year-old to claim the Chris Walters Medal was Waratah’s Yasmine Barry in 2003.

“I think I’m one of the youngest players in the competition so it was a bit of a surprise,” Stephinson said on being crowned first grade best and fairest. “I played seniors as well last year in division two but it was a lot tougher going up into division one this season.

“I was a bit nervous about it because most of the other players are all bigger and stronger than I am but I think it was a really good transition…it was definitely tough but I don’t mind that.”

Stephinson captained Queanbeyan’s 15-years representative side at this year’s State Age championships and also currently represents Canberra in the under-17s State League competition.

Queanbeyan Netball Association 2012 Award Winners

Queanbeyan Netball Association 2012 Award Winners

- Rena Spears medal (best player in State League): Chelsea Marolt

- Chris Walters medal (best player in division 1): Georgia Stephinson

- Bev Woodward Medal (best player in division 2): Alana Bowyer

- Helen Booby Medal (best player in division 3): Cindy Millynn

- Claire Bullivan Medal (best player in division 4): Hannah Linegar

- Outstanding Service Award: Catherine Clift

- Junior Coaching Award: Shelby O’Toole and Emma Morison

- Senior Coaching Award: Laura Gow

- Junior Encouragement Award: Lily Maroney

- Ruben Colverwell Supporters Award: Debbie Meehan

- Eileen Daniel Service Award: Jenny Elliot