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The Gold Industry Group Western Australian Netball League (GIG WANL) 2020 season came to a thrilling end on Friday 16 October at the Gold Netball Centre in front of a full-capacity crowd.
The night began with the 20U division, where the Western Roar finished their season on a high after winning the battle against the East Freo Sharks by 18 points. Western Roar 20U’s rising star and 17U State Team player, Emma Putt, was awarded their Most Valuable Player for her outstanding performance in this final.
In the Open Division, the West Coast Warriors cemented their place as one of the dominant sides in recent times with a 68-51 victory over underdogs the Curtin Hamersley Comets.
Unfortunately for the Comets, the Warriors got off to an unexpected fast start, with star goal shooter Donnell Wallam (54/61) proving too much for 19-year-old goal keeper Chelsea Bartlett, as she led the Warriors to a 20-10 quarter time lead they never looked back from.
Speaking after the match, Warriors Captain Helen Taylor was full of praise for the goal shooter, who took home Most Valuable Player for the second time.
“She’s just amazing every game, you really can’t fault her,” said Ms Taylor.
“We saw she had 959 goals for the season, so we wanted to get her to 1000 and she went over it,” West Coast Warriors Coach Lorraine Ward added.
The night also saw Ms Wallam crowned the Most Valuable Player in the Open Division. See her recent appearance with West Coast Warrior teammates in an inspirational interview as part of the Gold Industry Group’s (GIG) That’s Gold television commercial, where Ms Wallam talks about how the gold industry is ensuring players from all backgrounds across the State are supported through their netball journeys.
The grand final finished with a gripping Men’s division win by Western Roar as they defeated the 2019 champion West Coast Warriors by 15 points. Western Roar’s Stewart Burton was crowned the Most Valuable Player of the Men’s division for his remarkable performance as the team’s wing defence in the final game of the League.
Following the matches, all winners, officials and umpires received commemorative gold medallions for their outstanding achievements and contributions, courtesy of Gold Industry Group member The Perth Mint.
Gold Industry Group Executive Officer Rebecca Johnston said the GIG are proud to be the naming rights partner of the GIG WANL to ensure the growth and sustainability of the League.
“Congratulations to all the players in what was a thrilling finals night of netball,” Ms Johnston said.
“After such an unprecedented year for sport, it’s been fantastic to see the competition grow and flourish. It was also exciting to see Sunday Aryang, Olivia Lewis and Emma Cosh selected in the West Coast Fever squad this season and is a testament to the strong athlete pathway that the League provides.
“We look forward to seeing the Gold Industry Group WA Netball League continue to thrive through our long-term partnership,” Ms Johnston concluded.
The GIG is proud to support netball in Western Australia, thanks to members Gold Fields, Northern Star Resources, Saracen Mineral Holdings, Newcrest Mining, St Barbara Limited, Newmont, AngloGold Ashanti Australia, Gold Road Resources, Ramelius Resources and The Perth Mint.