Silver Ferns defender and premiership winner Sulu Fitzpatrick has impressed her coaches and peers this year to be the big winner at the NZ Netball Awards.
Sulu Fitzpatrick has been recognised for a stellar 2021 with the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Recognised as the best netballer across all competitions and campaigns, the 29-year-old completed a defining 2021 through her influential play and irrepressible leadership skills to win the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award.
Assuming the captaincy in 2021, Fitzpatrick led the Mystics to an historic maiden ANZ Premiership title, claiming the first silverware for an Auckland team since the introduction of franchise netball in 1998.
Fitzpatrick's contribution was further recognised when she was elevated to Silver Ferns vice-captain later in the year.
After lifting to new levels in 2021, midcourter Samantha Winders was named Silver Ferns Player of the Year.
Winders was just one of three Silver Ferns to play in all seven internationals against the Australian Diamonds and England Roses.
The Dame Lois Muir Supreme and Silver Ferns Player of the Year awards were decided by votes from coaches and fellow Silver Ferns players.
Still in the infancy of her elite-level career, Paris Lokotui won Aspiring Silver Fern after an impressive first season with the Central Pulse while also being called into the Silver Ferns training squad for this year's series against the England Roses and Aotearoa Men.
Karin Burger of the Mainland Tactix. Photo: Photosport
In a celebration of netball excellence across 2021, defender Karin Burger was crowned ANZ Premiership Player of the Year.
Burger was a star turn for the Mainland Tactix throughout the season, completing the league with 48 intercepts (ranked first), 69 deflections (ranked second) and 27 rebounds (ranked second) while pocketing six MVP accolades along the way.
Burger was also named as Fan Favourite.
In her fifth season as head coach, Helene Wilson was named ANZ Premiership Coach of the Year after guiding the Mystics to the title for the first time in their 14-year history.
Mystics head coach Helene Wilson. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
After whistling 113 games in elite domestic competition, Southland's Kristie Simpson claimed the ANZ Premiership Umpire of the Year award.
Top shooter Saviour Tui won the National Netball League Player of the Year after an outstanding individual season.
A fully contracted player with the Mystics, Tui played all nine NNL matches for the Northern Marvels in 2021, going on to lead all shooters with 337 goals at 91 percent success rate.
Tui was a key contributor in helping the Marvels win the title for the first time.
On the back of an impressive season, Ripeka Pirie was awarded National Netball League Coach of the Year.
An influential figure as head coach, Pirie guided the Marvels to an historic first title when they took down the previously unbeaten Northern Comets 64-55 in the final.
Zak Middleton took out the National Netball League Umpire of the Year award.
Featuring in all nine NNL matches for the title-winning Marvels, promising young defender Carys Stythe was awarded Secondary Schools Player of the Year.
Stythe was also a key player for the Auckland 1 team, who won the inaugural Netball NZ U18 Champs.
With her many years as a bench official standing her in good stead, Anne Harrison handled her new role of co-ordinating bench officials during some challenging Covid-19 times to ensure the seamless running of international, ANZ Premiership and NNL matches throughout the year to receive the Outstanding Contribution to Netball by a Technical Official award.
Former Silver Ferns captain Bernice Mene was honoured for her contribution to the New Zealand Netball Players Association (NZNPA).
Bernice Mene Photo: Bernice Mene/Profile Photograph
An original board member when the NZNPA was formed in 2008, Mene served for 10 years, demonstrating her governance skills and knowledge with an outstanding contribution while providing support to the country's netball professionals.
The Silver Ferns' Constellation Cup victory was awarded Moment of the Year.
Volunteers were also recognised for their contribution to the game.
Kim Voigt was Community Volunteer Champion of the Year, Andrea James was Volunteer Administrator of the Year, Donna Erceg Volunteer Coach of the Year, Kate Ward was Volunteer Official of the Year and Tyler Campbell picked up Youth Volunteer of the Year.