Ocean Grove defender Kelsey Ollis went to Ocean Grove’s A Grade netball best and fairest count thinking goaler Rebecca O’Neill would win.
After all, O’Neill had come runner-up in the league B&F and it seemed logical that she would also take out the club award.
But it was Ollis who was in front of O’Neill at the counting of the final vote and in the process claimed her fourth Candice Parker Medal.
“Bec came runner up in the league award so we went into the vote thinking Bec’s won it,” Ollis said.
“Usually the league is a pretty good indicator, but I managed to come fourth but it was still a hue surprise to me.”
The medal is named after champion player Candice Parker, who retired after the side’s grand final loss to Geelong Amateur.
Ollis said she had a consistent season playing on the league’s star goalshooters, but was thankful that O’Neill is a teammate rather than an opponent.
“It was a consistent season I would say but we had a really good team this year which helps,” she said.
“Bec is very hard to train on but probably a good person to have to train on.
“Coming up against Ruby (Watson) from Ammos and Daisy (O’Kane) from Torquay it helps to have someone like her to practice with.”
Ocean Grove made its first A Grade grand final since 2004, but couldn’t get over Ammos in the decider. Ollis said she thought the side was a bit flat after the rousing preliminary final win against Torquay.
“I thought the end of the season turned out differently to what a lot expected with Ammos having a lot of injuries,” Ollis said.
“We probably thought it would be Torquay in the grand final and then either us or Ammos, but sometimes injuries can bring a team together.
“It (the grand final) felt a bit flat from our side but Ammos played absolutely flawlessly.”
Ollis believes the future is bright for the Grubbers, with all but the Under 19s making finals.
“The club as a whole are looking really strong again next year so we are building for another good year,” she said.
“Other than Candice Parker retiring, most have recommitted.”
