For a second straight season, captain Kate Moloney has taken home the Melbourne Vixens' most valuable player award, winning the Sharelle McMahon Medal.
Presented at a completely virtual event, with all players, staff and fans watching live on Facebook and YouTube, Moloney ended the night on 67 votes, three ahead of runner up, goaler Mwai Kumwenda (64 votes). Votes were submitted after each game by the Vixens coaching staff who followed a 3, 2, 1 system.
Head coach Simone McKinnis congratulated her captain on the award.
“It’s different in just the challenges that Kate faced as a player on court and off court as well, and still being able to perform, regardless of what was going on around the team,’’ said McKinnis.
“Right from the start she was really consistent in one of the hardest seasons, and being put through the wringer in so many ways, she was still working for the good of the team, helping those around her and making sure that everybody was getting through it OK, but still giving everything she’s got out there on court.
“You could just see her fighting every step of the way, game after game. She just gives everything she’s got to the contest. No matter what the score was or what was happening in the game, she was just throwing herself at everything.’’
It was a big night for Moloney, who's unwavering support and leadership was recognised by her coaches with her also being named the Coaches’ Award winner.
Goaler Mwai Kumwenda was awarded Runner Up MVP, her highest ever finish since joining the Vixens in 2017.
Rookie of the Year was presented to debutant Hannah Mundy who began season as a temporary replacement player for Liz Watson (foot injury) and cemented her spot in the starting seven for each game.
Juggling work and life on the road as a Vixen, Allie Smith took out the Excellence in Sport and Life award, while team manager Lisa Taylor and strength and conditioning coach, John Tascone shared the Outstanding Service Award.
In a special presentation for the night, General Manager Rebekah Webster received the Team Spirit Award for her efforts behind the scenes over the last two years, to ensure the Vixens were in the right place, at the right time and able to get on court and continue the season – even if that meant packing up and leaving cities at the drop of a hat.
A coveted award, presented by the playing group and coaches in unique circumstances, the last Team Spirit Award was presented to Cath Cox in 2014.
SHARELLE MCMAHON MEDAL VOTES
Kate Moloney (67 votes)
Mwai Kumwenda (64 votes)
Jo Weston (29 votes)
Kadie-Ann Dehaney (26 votes)
Hannah Mundy (19 votes)
Emily Mannix (13 votes)
Kaylia Stanton (9 votes)
Rahni Samason (9 votes)
Kate Eddy (5 votes)
Allie Smith (4 votes)
Ruby Barkmeyer (1 vote)
Sharelle McMahon Medal – Kate Moloney
Runner Up MVP – Mwai Kumwenda
Coaches Award – Kate Moloney
Rookie of the Year – Hannah Mundy
Excellence in Sport and Life – Allie Smith
Outstanding Service Award – Lisa Taylor and John Tascone
Team Spirit Award – Rebekah Webster
