Natalie von Bertouch and Renae Hallinan have capped off an exceptional 2009 by taking home two of the biggest netball prizes at the Australian Netball Awards tonight.
Von Bertouch, Australian Diamonds vice-captain, was honoured for her fantastic domestic season winning the ANZ Championship Player of the Year award.
Von Bertouch led the Adelaide Thunderbirds to their first ever ANZ Championship Grand Final appearance this year with the centre’s determination and tenacity proving a game breaker throughout the season. Hallinan, in her breakout year for the Diamonds, was recognised for her consistent work at wing defence throughout the Diamonds long international season with the Victorian taking home the Holden International Player of the Year award. Hallinan proved her credentials by cementing her starting spot for Test matches in Australia, New Zealand, England and Jamaica throughout 2009.
The World Youth Championship winning Australian 21/U team was also honoured and West Coast Fever player Andrea Gilmore named 21/U Australian Player of the Year.
Six women were also recognised for their magnificent service to netball and inducted into the Australian Netball Hall Of Fame. Gweneth Benzie AM, Anne Clark BEM(C) and Lorna McConchie have been inducted as General Members into the Hall of Fame while Michelle den Dekker OAM, Jill McIntosh and Gaye Teede have been included as Athlete Members.
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