Four life members awarded as Gunnedah Netball Association marks end of winter season

Gunnedah Netball Association marked the end of its winter season by celebrating outstanding dedication and sportsmanship at the annual presentation night.

Division one runners-up JAGOD.

Four women received top honours, being announced as association life members.

Division one sportsmanship award recipient Holli Fordham.

Jo Jaeger, Chris Jones, Nerida Ewington and Jen Muddle were each bestowed with life membership.

L-R: Division two runners-up Chaos. Under 16s player of the grand final was awarded to Allie Neilsen. Photos: Gunnedah Netball Association. Division one sportsmanship award recipient Holli Fordham.

The 2026 association committee was also thanked for its efforts.

Division two sportsmanship award recipient Ivy Avard. Goal shooter of the grand final was awarded to Montana Dries. The Ingrid Thomas Trophy for Committee Member of the Year was presented to Aleica Swain. Chris Jones was honoured as one of four life members on the night. Life membership recipient Jen Muddle.

Team and player presentations also formed part of the celebration.

Goal shooter of the grand final was awarded to Montana Dries.

Division one premiers TDE Lightning and runners-up JAGOD were congratulated.

The Ingrid Thomas Trophy for Committee Member of the Year was presented to Aleica Swain.

The division’s player of the grand final this year went to Bella Gallagher while player of the year was awarded to Alexa Walker and the sportsmanship award was presented to Holli Fordham.

Chris Jones was honoured as one of four life members on the night.

In division two, the premiers were Andrew Muddle Plumbing and runners-up were Chaos.

Life membership recipient Jen Muddle.

The player of the grand final went to Terri Woodhouse, player of the year to Kate Spencer and the sportsmanship award to Ivy Avard.

Life membership recipient Jo Jaeger. Life member recipient Nerida Ewington. Under 16s player of the year Macey Dallesandro. The Mikie Maas Trophy for Most Persistent Player went to Courtney Brandon.

Whitehaven took out top honours in the under 16s competition, with Vision Splendid as runners-up.

Life member recipient Nerida Ewington.

Allie Neilsen was awarded player of the grand final, Macey Dallesandro as player of the year and Lexi Bullen with the sportsmanship award.

Under 16s player of the year Macey Dallesandro.

The under 17s, under 14s, under 13s and under 12s representative teams were also congratulated.

The Mikie Maas Trophy for Most Persistent Player went to Courtney Brandon.

Sophie Martin was awarded as the under 12s representative most improved and Amelia Scot as best and fairest.

Teena Sutcliffe with Tapper Family Trophy recipient Amber King. Under 16s premiers Whitehaven. Under 16s runners-up Vision Splendid. Teena Sutcliffe congratulates Lisa Steele on receiving Umpire of the Year.

Macey Dallesandro was presented with most improved for under 13s while best and fairest went to Audrey Barlow.

Under 16s premiers Whitehaven.

Aimee Hobden was most improved for the under 14s representative team, best and fairest went to Kallie Walters and players’ player to Allie Neilsen.

Under 16s runners-up Vision Splendid.

Imogen Krawczyk was awarded most improved in the under 17s representative squad and best and fairest to Alyssa Wise.

Teena Sutcliffe congratulates Lisa Steele on receiving Umpire of the Year.

Various other award recipients were also acknowledged on the night.

Under 16s sportsmanship recipient Lexi Bullen.

Montana Dries received goal shooter of the grand final.

The 2026 Gunnedah Netball Association was also thanked on the night. Pictured, Karen Stanley, Lisa Steele, Aleica Swain, Christy Barnes, Amy Hammond, Nikki Morrison, Janice Mammen and Jen Muddle. Absent: Meseydes Sullivan

Amber King was presented with the Tapper Family Trophy.

Betty Rickard Dedication Award recipient Tahnee Steele.

Lisa Steele was announced as Umpire of the Year.

L-R: Clare Walker Encouragement Award recipient Georgina Grimm. Rhiannon Adamson was awarded the Clare Walker Participation Award. Rhiannon Adamson was awarded the Clare Walker Participation Award. Division two premiers Andrew Muddle Plumbing.

The Ingrid Thomas Trophy for Committee Member of the Year was awarded to Aleica Swain while the Clare Walker Encouragement Award went to Georgina Grimm.