Two of Hawks Netball’s brightest young stars have capped outstanding years on court with selection in the Victorian Netball League’s 19/Under team of the year.
Goaler Keeley Burgmann and midcourter Abi Inglis were voted into the 12-strong team, having recorded consistently strong performances for a Hawks team that finished the COVID-shortened regular season in second place on the ladder.
Burgmann, whose stellar year also included being named captain of the Victorian 17/Under team, said while the goal was team success after a brilliant start to the season, it was an honour to be recognised.
“I feel very privileged to be named in the team of the year. Sadly as a team we weren’t able to finish off the season with a premiership or even play finals,” she said.
“I’m really grateful to be at such a great club and supported by all the coaches and my teammates. Hopefully next year we’r able to continue the great work and use the unfinished season as motivation.”
Inglis paid tribute to her teammates, who hung tough despite the season’s regular interruptions, and many of whom had also endured the cancelled 2020 season.
“I was very surprised to get the award, I was not at all expecting it but feel very honoured,” Inglis said.
I was very fortunate to be amongst such a talented group of girls this season – a team that if not interrupted by COVID would have had a chance of being a premiership team. It was a very competitive season but I think we held ourselves well and managed to stay within the top two the entire season.”