Liz Cobbleick started the biggest week of her netball career in fine style when she won the HDFNL A-grade netball best and fairest award.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Colbinabbin coach polled 26 votes to win clearly from Leitchville-Gunbower pair Jodie Lake (21) and Lauren Dehne (18) and Mount Pleasant goal defence Tracey Meekings (18).
In her first year in charge of the Grasshoppers, Cobbledick raced to an early lead when she polled 10 votes in the first five rounds.
Dehne took a one-vote lead after six rounds, but Cobbeldick took control of the count when she polled 11 votes between rounds seven and 11.
The Colbo goal attack had the medal sewn up with two rounds remaining.
“I really didn’t think I was a chance of winning,’’ a modest Cobbledick said.
“There’s so many talented netballers in the league and I thought one of the other players that polled really well would win it.
“It’s very exciting to win. It’s not something you ever expect, but it is an honour to win it.”
Cobbledick was judged best on court six times and polled in 11 of a possible 16 games.
Lake and Dehne had consistent seasons for the Bombers. Lake was named best on court five times, while Dehne polled in 10 games.
Cobbledick, who made the move to Colbo from the Shepparton Swans, had never previously won a league or club best and fairest award.
“I have lots of good friends at Colbo and my mum is from Colbo,’’ Cobbledick said.
“I was always going to play for Colbo at some stage… it was just a matter of timing.
“I loved playing at Swans. They’re a great club and a huge part of my life, but the time was right for me to go to Colbo.”
Shepparton Swans’ loss was Colbo’s gain. Cobbledick had a superb season at goal attack and the Grasshoppers will play for a second-straight premiership this Saturday when they face White Hills in the grand final.
“I was really happy that we got through on Saturday (defeating North Bendigo in the preliminary final),’’ Cobbledick said.
“The girls really stepped up a notch and played some excellent netball.
“We’re really looking forward to next week. It’s going to be hard because White Hills have been so good all season.
“White Hills has beaten us three times... but anything can happen on grand final day.”
A-grade netball leaderboard: L. Cobbledick (Col) 26, J. Lake (LG) 21, L. Dehne (LG) 18, T. Meekings (Mt P) 18, L. Bowles (WH) 17, P. Randall (LBU) 17, S. Fern (WH) 16, B. Jones (LG) 16, B. McDougall (NB) 13, J. Cass (WH) 12, R. Smith (NB) 12.
