After taking time away from the game, Ravaillion has returned to netball in emphatic fashion after being named the winner of the Laura Geitz Medal, which is awarded to the Firebirds’ Most Valuable Player.
Held at a small event in front of players and staff last night, the dynamic centre polled 38 votes to claim the MVP honours by a single vote ahead of star goal shooter Romelda Aiken.
However, Ravaillion didn’t stop there, cleaning up the evening by also taking out the Players’ Player of the Year and the Members’ Player of the Year in her first season back after pregnancy.
The Laura Geitz Medal winner finished the season fourth in the league for Nissan Net Points (922), second in goal assists (258) and first in feeds (478), fully justifying the voting.
Firebirds Coach Megan Anderson spoke about her star centre’s professionalism and rapid return to form.
“It was certainly an impressive season from Kim, but knowing how meticulous she is around planning and being prepared for netball and life in general, I definitely wasn't surprised,” she said.
“I was most impressed with how she built across the season.
“She came back into training super fit, but not netball fit, so she just continued to demand more from herself each training and game in order to be the best athlete she could be.”
The co-vice captain has experienced a roller coaster ride of emotions and hurdles in the past two years, however Ravaillion has not let this tumultuous period impact her performances, as last night’s achievements will show.
The newly crowned Firebirds MVP was required to move to Queensland, away from partner and AFL star Adam Treloar who stayed in Melbourne, which saw the pair attract their fair share of critics who questioned if the arrangement would work.
With Ravaillion cleaning up three awards and Treloar playing in a semi-final for the Western Bulldogs on the same night, many would say the pair silenced those critics.
Coach Anderson made mention of the incredible resilience displayed by Ravallion this past year.
“It was a big year for Kim, she moved interstate the same year she had Georgie, away from her fiancé to step back on a court when she hadn't played for over 18 months.
“That takes bravery and a determination that doesn't stem from proving anything to anyone but yourself.”
“She's incredibly self-motivated and that's one of the best things about her, she knows if she's at her best it helps her teammates. She's such a selfless player on the court.”
Aiken finished runner-up in the MVP Award falling short by just one vote after an impressive season of her own where she netted 531 goals and recorded a league-high 87 offensive rebounds.
Gretel Bueta and Kim Jenner finished equal third with 21 votes further highlighting why the pair were selected in the Origin Australian Diamonds squad.
The other award winner on the night was Lara Dunkley with the midcourter receiving the Spirit Award, highlighting her positivity and care for all around her.
