IN a feat rarely achieved, the South West District Netball League A grade best and fairest award was jointly won by two teammates on Sunday, with Tyrendarra players Andrea Smith and Hannah Van Gemst crowned.

The pair finished the count on 21 votes each, ahead of joint runner-up recipients Rebecca Vankalken from Dartmoor and Coleraine’s Kate Vickery, who polled 17 votes.

Just twice at the A grade level have teammates won the award, with Cavendish duo Marni Luhrs and Sarah Langley sharing the victory in 2018.

Smith has been a lockdown defensive player across 2023 while Van Gemst has been a big asset in Tyrendarra’s shooting circle for the past two years as well as taking on the role of co-coaching this year.

For Van Gemst, she said the joint win was reflective of the contributions across the court.

“I think it’s great and it shows our team doesn’t revolve around one person which can sometimes get lost in individual awards and best and fairest,” she said.

“What’s worked for our team and the reason we’ve done well so far is because it’s about the team, we rely on each other and even when we’re standing up it’s about the people around us who are doing the work too.

“I think it’s been building on last year too – we were really unsure of what the team would be like this year and to be able to bring things together.”

For Smith, the win came as a surprise to the defender who plays a big role in delivering voice across the court.

“It’s just such a big surprise, on my behalf I definitely didn’t expect,” she said.

“I can’t believe it to be honest, but we’ve had such a good year as a team, and we’ve gelled so well.

“I think my attitude helps with my netball, I feel like I’m pretty positive heading into the game and throughout it – if something doesn’t quite go to plan it’s a challenge for me to figure it out.

“I think that transfers through my talking on court and playing big and I take that opportunity to be present and be loud.”

The pair will be competing in the grand final on Saturday against Dartmoor which Van Gemst says is a different looking defensive unit to come up against.

“The other four teams that were in finals, all of their defensive units are very different so it’s different each week you come up against a team and the style they play,” she said.

“Dartmoor are taller and harder at the ball so you take that on and then against Cavendish Erin (Kinnealy) and Lauren (Cameron) are quite agile and get around your body when you don’t think they’re there but it also depends on the midcourt and how they’re defending as well.

“Bec is very smart for Dartmoor and does a lot of work out front so it’s her defensive role as well that you’re thinking about.”

Smith has also come up against some tough shooting line ups during the season but says there is one game in particular that she prepares for differently.

“I have a key role when we play Cavendish and that’s because Marni (Luhrs) is such a key in that team and can change a game so quickly so knowing I’m coming up against one of the best goal attacks in the league I almost have to change my game a bit with her,” she said.

“She’s a good player and person so it’s really good competition against her and I really appreciate that and enjoy it.”

For the A grade Observer/Spectator MVP award Heywood players Shakira Stuchbery came out on top while Van Gemst was named runner-up.