Vashti Muller set for Riverina grand final after claiming league best and fairest

In the space of a few weeks the former Wodonga Raider has booked a spot in the Riverina Championship A-grade netball grand final and taken out the league's best and fairest award in her first year with Mangoplah-Cookardinia United-Eastlakes.

It comes after Muller's plans to move to Melbourne and play her debut season for City West Falcons in the Victorian Netball League were derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 19-year-old from Henty admitted the award came as a surprise after being crowned joint winner alongside Osborne's Caren Hugo on Wednesday.

"I can't say I was expecting it, it was a bit of a shock," Muller said.

"I had training while it was happening, so I was trying to watch the live stream as well as listening to my coach online.

"It was a bit funny when it all happened."

Muller has previously taken out similar awards in the Hume and Ovens and Murray leagues and last year led the Toni Wilson Medal count after 12 rounds, finishing equal fifth.

While it's not the netball season she had pictured for 2020, the talented defender said she was grateful to be able to pull on the Goannas colours.

"I had some big plans this year to achieve a lot in Melbourne, but I guess that will be a strong point of our generation, we'll be able to adapt and change our routines quickly," she said.

"Never did I think I'd have Goannas written down the side of my dress.

"You've got to count the positives."

She added the change of leagues has been a breath of fresh air.

"I think it can sometimes be nice going in and not having knowledge on the players," Muller said.

"I've actually liked going into a team and not knowing anyone or any opposition, it's a clean slate."

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Muller is hoping the best and fairest nod is a good omen as MCUE head into the grand final against Wagga Tigers at Robertson Oval this weekend.

"I guess it would boost anyone's confidence and it gets me a bit more excited for the weekend," she said.

The last time Muller lined up in a grand final she was playing for home club Henty, where she took out an under-16's and B-grade flag in the same year.

The Goannas head into the clash as reigning premiers.

"It's been a while since I've played in a grand final, so it's something a bit new for me," she said.

"I'm just trying to manage the nerves and the excitement and try to use it as a bit of fuel on the weekend."

The last time the two sides met the Tigers gave the Goannas a scare, with just one goal separating them for a spot in the decider.

Muller believes the young Goannas will have to be wary of the Tigers' defensive pressure.

"You can't be too confident, but a level of confidence going into a grand final is good," she said.

It will mark the league's first grand final played under COVID-19 guidelines.

"You can still hear people getting around you," Muller said.

"I think that's one good thing about little clubs, people do get around you."

While she's enjoying her Riverina experience, Muller said she still hopes to try her hand in the city one day.

"I think I still need to have a shot in Melbourne," she said.

"I'd rather know if I don't like it than to never know at all."