Ella Vandermeer claims Wodonga's best and fairest award in first senior season

Ella Vandermeer impressed in her first senior Ovens and Murray netball season to claim the prize, with Wodonga stalwart Kylie Murphy finishing runner-up.

The 17-year-old midcourt player made her A-grade debut in 2019 against Myrtleford when she was just 14, and is a junior Tallangatta and District Netball Association best and fairest winner after starting out with Chiltern.

Anthony, who also coached Vandermeer in a Wodonga under-13 representative side, said she was very deserving of the honour this season.

"There's nothing that doesn't impress me about Ella," Anthony said.

"Since she was 13-years-old, I've never seen a kid have such a strong left hand pass and her feeds into the attack end are spot on.

"She's little, but she's dynamic.

"She's only 17, but she's mature beyond her years.

"I'm so proud of her."

Vandermeer admitted the season had been a learning curve, but one that she will benefit from.

"It was very challenging but it was good to experience playing with the leaders that we have," she said.

"It's always been one of my goals (to play Ovens and Murray A-grade netball).

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"In 2019 I was given such a good opportunity and I have always wanted to be able to play up.

"The experience has been really good."

She also cited playing alongside league life member Kylie Murphy as being one of the highlights of her season.

"I learnt so much from her by playing down that end of the court," Vandermeer said.

"She made me look good."

The year 11 Wodonga Senior Secondary College student suffered an injury scare during the Bulldogs' ANZAC Day clash against the Raiders, but was relieved to discover it was nothing of concern.

"I had quite a fall and I thought it was more, but I was ok," she said.

Vandermeer also took out a club medal for the under-16s back in 2019.

Leah Mathey was named most consistent, Cassi Mathey took out the club's rising star award and Maddie McFarlane received the coaches award.

Ellie Ainsworth claimed B-grade's best and fairest award, Eillish Byrne was the winner in C-grade and youngster Lizzy Murphy impressed to take the under-17 trophy home.

Wodonga has recently announced Bianca Mann as the club's new A and B-grade coach for the 2022 season.

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