Sharla Sutcliffe wins best and fairest in first season with Jindera

Having played through Thurgoona's premiership dynasty from 2013 to 2016, she also reached the top in the Hume League with Murray Magpies.

Now a Bulldog of a different kind at Jindera, Sutcliffe's hard work continues to pay-off.

The talented goal shooter took out the club's A-grade best and fairest award after edging out playing coach Tegan Vogel.

It marked her first time back on court in three years, after taking a break to pursue her law degree.

"After finishing my studies I decided to jump back in," she said.

"I just wanted something different and I knew some of the girls out at Jindera.

"I utilised my time off wisely, but in saying that, I think I had the desire deep down to play again.

"I had thought about retirement, but I just knew I wasn't ready.

"When I started playing I realised how much I had missed it."

During her time at Thurgoona, Sutcliffe was assistant coach to Zanelle Gerecke.

Despite now being in the Hume League, she has plenty of fond memories from the Bulldogs' dominant era in the Tallangatta and District Netball Association.

"Every year was special its own way and you can't replicate something like that," she said.

"I'm so lucky to have won a lot of premierships in my career.

"I certainly don't take that for granted and I cherish each and every one of them."

Prior to arriving at Thurgoona, Sutcliffe had spent several years at Murray Magpies.

With her step dad Oscar Gentner helping to form the club in 1999, Sutcliffe played in the side's inaugural season.

She led the Magpies' B-grade side, as well as edging out Jindera by one goal for a flag.

"I had some pretty special times there as well," she said.

Jindera finished the home and away season in second position and had peaked late in the competition to stop Osborne's undefeated streak.

Sutcliffe admitted it was a shame to not see what could have been, had finals been played.

"We had a really good year and we could see the improvements," she said.

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"That was evident in our final game against Osborne.

"It's a bit bittersweet because that's not how you want to end, you want to play finals, but it was the cherry on top of what was otherwise a good season."

Outside of netball, Sutcliffe is kept busy by her 6-year-old daughter Evie, as well as helping to run a business.

The 39-year-old is yet to make a decision on her playing future.

"I'm still up in the air about my netball career," she said.

"I definitely think that Jindera will be a force to be reckoned with whether I play or not.

"They always say you're a long time retired though, and I keep that in the back of my mind."

Sarah Parker took out Jindera's B-grade best and fairest award from Dariah Farrington, while Montanna Kerr edged out Sam Lampe in C-grade.

Hayley Riley was the C-reserves winner from Rhian Dower.

Zara Hiscock (under-17s), Mackenzie Thomson (under-15s), Ivy Cossor (under-13s) and Meadow Wright (under-11s) were crowned the club's junior award winners for their efforts on court this season.

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