King Valley's Clarke claims top honors

Source: Wangaratta Chronicle - 10.09.08

KING Valley’s Karina Clarke capped off a spectacular season by winning the Morgan Medal after being voted the Ovens and King Netball League’s best and fairest player for 2008.

Although her side missed out on playing finals, Clarke was a revelation for the Roos, leading the team's scoring and regularly being named as the best player on the court.

Clarke, whose sister Brodie won the same award last year in a tie with North Wangaratta’s Bianca Doolan, polled 25 votes to finish ahead of Moyhu defender Jenna McLeod (23 votes) and Milawa's Jacki Gardner (22).

McLeod’s backcourt partner Colleen Balfour and Glenrowan dynamo Megan Graham, who won last year’s B grade award and shot 507 goals this season, rounded out the top five, with 21 and 20 votes respectively.

Despite her success in the individual award, Clarke couldn’t find a place in the A grade team of the year, with Milawa’s Rhonda Bennett and Hawk Bianca Doolan named as the starting shooters.

Milawa’s dominant season saw a further four Demons named, with Janelle Andison and Janelle Hartwig starting in the middle, and Jackie Gardner and Kim Hunt listed as substitutes.

Hartwig was also voted the coach of the year, after leading the Demons to a home and away season record of 17 wins and just one loss.

Whorouly’s Kristy Newton's stunning season wasn't ignored, as she made the side at wing defence, while Moyhu pair Colleen Balfour and Jenna Mcleod couldn’t be overlooked for the roles of goal defence and goal keeper.

Leah Kelly from Bright, who led her side with 13 votes in the Morgan Medal polling, was named as the third substitute.

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