Defender Kelly Jackson has captured top honours at the annual NZ Netball Awards, winning her third straight Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award.
Jackson, 28, joins midcourt legend Laura Langman as the only player to take the trophy three times, after sharing it with shooter Grace Nweke in 2022, then taking it outright over the past two years.
"It’s a pretty unbelievable achievement and I’m a little bit speechless to be honest," she said. "It’s a huge honour and I’m very humble to receive the award once again.
"I just know I’m very fortunate to be surrounded by such supportive family, friends, teammates and management, and feel so lucky I can share this award with them.
"I never in my wildest dreams thought this was possible, but I guess just whenever I take the court, I want to go out there and do my job to the best of my abilities. I know, as a leader, when I do that, it helps others to do the same and I just want to give the team the best chance of winning as possible."
While guiding Central Pulse to the top of the ANZ Premiership table, before a one-goal defeat in the final, Jackson (former Jury) led the competition in defensive rebounds (40), deflections (91) and intercepts (43).
At international level, she brought her Silver Ferns appearances to 72, playing all 11 Tests during the year and starred in the Constellation Cup series win over world champions Australia.
Nweke claimed the Sandra Edge Medal as Silver Ferns Player of the Year, after dominating the Diamonds in the trans-Tasman series, while Ferns captain Ameliaranne Ekenasio was named Casey Kopua MVP of the ANZ Premiership.
NZ Netball Awards winners
Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award: Kelly Jackson
Moment of the Year: Martina Salmon (Fast Five gamewinner v South Africa)
Silver Ferns Player of the Year: Grace Nweke
Silver Ferns Fan Favourite: Maddy Gordon
Aspiring Silver Fern: Martina Salmon
Men’s Player of the Year: Mikaira Raerino
ANZ Premiership Player of the Year: Ameliaranne Ekenasio
ANZ Premiership Coach of the Year: Tia Winikerei
ANZ Premiership Umpire of the Year: Gareth Fowler
Secondary Schools Player of the Year: Shayla Nepia
National Netball League Coach of the Year: Michelle Parsons
National Netball League Player of the Year: Crystal Maro
Homes National Netball League Umpire of the Year: Marly (Marissa) Howard
Outstanding Contribution to Netball by a Technical Official: Lisa Aull
Volunteer Administrator of the Year: Lee Manaia
Volunteer Official of the Year: Mathew Chambers
Volunteer Coach of the Year: Tash Tawhara
Youth Volunteer of the Year: Caitlyn Forrest
Volunteer Community Champion of the Year: Martha Taru
New Zealand Netball Players Association (NZNPA) Kimihia Award: Ali Wilshier
Silver Ferns Players’ Award: Ameliaranne Ekenasio
ANZ Premiership Players’ Award: Geogia Tong
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