WHEN looking for inspiration on the netball court, Nelson Bay’s Annalise Jones has the perfect role model close at hand.
The talented goalkeeper is following in the steps of her elder sibling Ella, a representative wing defence of the highest calibre.
21-year-old Ella was named Players’ Player for the all-conquering Hunter Netball 2 team that won this year’s Netball NSW Metro League Development series – an accolade that evokes respect and admiration from her sporting family.
Seventeen-year-old Annalise is a stand-out defender in her own right.
The emerging keeper was the recipient of this year’s Kath McCutcheon Representative Player of the Year Award, in recognition of her superb performances for the Nelson Bay 17-years team at the Netball NSW State Senior Championships in Sydney.
She proved a driving force as Amanda and Taylar Wilks’ charges finished fourth in the Division Four category with 13 wins and a draw from their 17 matches.
A chuffed Annsalise accepted her award at the recent Nelson Bay Netball Association Presentation Night at Soldiers Point Bowling Club.
The major annual gong recognises outstanding talent, dedication and sportsmanship among the association’s representative players.
Two other siblings to make an impact on and off the netball court in 2026 were Alexis Scott and Jacinta ‘Jazzy’’ Scott.
In a playing role, 15-year-old Alexis shone in the midcourt for the Nelson Bay 15-years representative team and was identified by Netball NSW officials after stand-out performances at this year’s State Senior Netball titles in Sydney.
Alexis, who earned her National C umpiring badge during a hectic campaign, also took out Nelson Bay’s Senior Umpire of the Year Award.
Younger sister Jazzy,12, capped a stellar season by taking out the Junior Recognition Award.
The talented wing defence proved a tower of strength for the Nelson Bay 12-years representative team that finished with a runners-up Blue Patch at the NSW State Junior Netball titles at Camden earlier this year.
Jazzy added plenty of starch to the Bay defence with wholehearted displays and proved a fine ambassador for the association at various carnivals.
The gifted under-12s squad, which also featured Faith Karas, Bella Edwards, Willow Earnshaw, Olivia Morgan, Gemma Edwards, Sailor Jenkins, Mia Petrellis, Emily Noble and Amarli Buckton, was named Nelson Bay’s Representative Team of the Year.
Jazzy also was a vital cog in the Stingrays’ premiership-winning team that tasted success in the Nelson Bay Intermediate under-14s competition.
Comprised of mainly 12-year-olds, the Stingrays upset minor premiers Wave Riders 46-40 after extra time in a pulsating grand final.
She also was a key figure for the Medowie Clovers under-12s that reached the preliminary final of the Maitland Netball Association Division One competition.
Other major award recipients included Zara McCaull (Intermediate Sportsmanship Award); Casey Dodd (President’s Award); Abigail Noble (Senior Recognition Award); Emma Ward (Junior Umpire of the Year); Luke Noble (Volunteer of Year); Hornets under-14s (Team of Year) plus Coaches of the Year in Sandy Connell (Superbolts) and Laura Wise (Koalas).
By Chris KARAS
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