Ellis wins netball’s most coveted individual award

Australian and Sydney Swifts captain, Liz Ellis capped off a stellar year for the veteran by winning the sport’s most prestigious individual honour – the Commonwealth Bank Trophy Most Valued Player Award (MVP) - at the Netball Australia Annual Awards Dinner in Sydney last night.

Ellis claimed netball’s highest individual honour for a record-equalling third time – matching the ‘triple crown’ feat of star shooter Sharelle McMahon, and received $10,000 in prize money from valued sponsors, the Commonwealth Bank.

In her return season following a knee reconstruction, the brilliant defender defied the challenges of making a comeback at 33-years-of-age to post one of her best and most consistent seasons on court. Such was her dominance in the CBT matches this season, Ellis was 14 points clear of her nearest rival in the duel for the 2006 MVP Award.

Ellis led the Sydney Swifts to a third CBT title, and an historic undefeated record for the season.

Playing her 160th CBT match in the Grand Final, Ellis’ performance and leadership in the title decider earned her the Player of the Match award. The tenacious defender also led the competition in intercepts and deflections, was second in rebounds and fifth in pick-ups.

“Liz is a very worthy recipient of this award and a strong leader on and off the court. This award is a testament to her dedication, hard work and passion for the game of netball,” Netball Australia Executive President, Noeleen Dix said.

“Liz is a great ambassador of the sport and Netball Australia congratulates her on this achievement.”

2006 Netball Australia Awards

• Most Valued Player – Liz Ellis, Sydney Swifts
  
• Best New Netball Talent – Madison Browne, Melbourne Kestrels
  
• Australian Team Player of the Year – Jessica Shynn, Perth Orioles
  
• Players’ Player of the Year – joint winners Caitlin Bassett, Perth Orioles and Caitlin Thwaites, Melbourne Kestrels
  
• Team of the Year
  - Goal Shooter – Catherine Cox, Sydney Swifts
  - Goal Attack – Sharelle McMahon, Melbourne Phoenix
  - Wing Attack – Laura von Bertouch, Adelaide Thunderbirds
  - Centre – Natalie von Bertouch, Adelaide Thunderbirds
  - Wing Defence – Natasha Chokljat, Melbourne Phoenix
  - Goal Defence – Mo’onia Gerrard, Sydney Swifts
  - Goal Keeper – Liz Ellis, Sydney Swifts
  
• Domestic Coach of the Year – Julie Fitzgerald, Sydney Swifts
  
• Gatorade Umpire of the Year – Sharon Kelly Media awards;
  
• Best Overall Media Coverage – Tanya Denver Award – Warren Partland, The Advertiser
  
• Best Print/Electronic Story – Amanda Lulham, The Daily Telegraph
  
• Best Broadcast Story – Tim Wharton, Fox Sports News
  
• Best Photograph – Cameron Richardson, The Advertiser.

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