UPDATE: Star netball player Amy Richardson has been celebrated for her remarkable debut season with Henty, winning the Hume Netball Association’s A-grade best and fairest award just before the grand final. However, an injury will keep her from the decider against Jindera this weekend.
Richardson expressed her disbelief and gratitude during the awards ceremony held on Monday night, stating, “I don’t think it’s sunk in yet. I’m very honoured and very grateful to the club for everything they have done for me this year. It’s a big club effort.” This recognition comes after an impressive season where the Swampies finished fifth in the home-and-away period and fought their way to the grand final by defeating Osborne, Billabong Crows, and Howlong.
Sadly, Richardson sustained a serious injury during the semi-final match against the Crows, confirming she has torn her ACL and PCL. “It’s unfortunate timing. I would love to be out there with the girls, but I’ll be their biggest cheerleader,” she said, highlighting the emotional impact of her situation. “I think the whole town is buzzing at the moment. We have a very big support base, so there’s definitely going to be lots of red out there on the weekend.”
Her teammate, Bethany Moloney, of the Crows, finished as the runner-up in the award count, showcasing a competitive spirit that has defined the season. Richardson noted the camaraderie within the team, saying, “A key takeaway from the year is that we have had so much fun playing with each other. From probably the middle of the year, when we had the return of Vashti Muller and Molly Murray, it really clicked for us.”
As the Swampies prepare for their grand final matchup, they face a formidable opponent in the Bulldogs, who are the reigning champions and have not lost a game in the past two seasons. Richardson remains optimistic, stating, “If everyone’s playing their best netball, I think anyone’s good enough; it’s just who shows up on the day.” She emphasizes the importance of sticking to their strengths and capitalizing on their depth as a team.
This grand final marks a significant moment for Henty, as they aim to break a long-standing drought in their quest for victory. With the whole community rallying behind them, the atmosphere is electric leading up to the match. Fans are encouraged to show their support as the Swampies take on the Bulldogs this weekend.
The latest developments in this thrilling season highlight not just the triumphs of Richardson and her team but also the heart of sportsmanship, reflecting both the highs and lows of competitive play. As the grand final looms, all eyes will be on Henty, making it a must-watch event for netball enthusiasts.
