Cobden's Lara Taylor wins Hampden league's Rebekah Moroney Memorial Medal

Cobden's Lara Taylor took out the 17 and under best and fairest award with 36 votes, three ahead of runner-up, Camperdown's Mary Place.

Taylor said it was an honour to take home the award, named after Bombers teammate Sarah Moroney's late sister, Rebekah.

"I really wasn't expecting it," Taylor said.

Taylor said her netball had progressed a lot this season, as she juggles 17 and under and open grade commitments alongside twin sister Grace.

Playing goal defence in the junior grade and midcourt in opens, Taylor said she was grateful to have Nadine McNamara and Sophie Hinkley as her respective coaches.

She said winning a state title with Hampden's 17 and under interleague squad was a highlight of the year.

"I think it was a bit of suprise for all us girls but we played really well and got the win," she said.

Taylor is gearing up for two finals this weekend, first against Koroit in the 17 and under second semi final before taking on South Warrnambool in the open grade. A win in both would see the Bombers straight through to this year's grand final weekend.

Taylor said she was enjoying playing finals for the first time, and was looking forward to experiencing the high standard of finals netball.

"It's going to be really tough I reckon," she said. "Hopefully we get the win."

Place, 17, said her runner-up award showed how much her team helps her play her best.

"I owe it to them and my coaches as well," she said of her Camperdown clubmates.

The goal attack, who also plays open grade, said her biggest take-away from this season was how to use her body strength to her advantage and playing both smart and focused.

Place and her 17 and under teammates will play in the first semi-final against Hamilton Kangaroos on Sunday.

Top 10 leaderboard

Lara Taylor, Cobden 36

Mary Place, Camperdown 33

Tyleah Barr, Portland 25

Madsie Phillips, Hamilton Kangaroos 24

Meg Carlin, Koroit 20

Ava Grundy, Terang Mortlake 19

=7 Ella Sadler, Camperdown 16, Ruby Couch, South Warrnambool 16

Ella Sevior, Hamilton Kangaroos 15

=10 Millie Jennings, Koroit 14, Scarlett O'Donnell, Koroit 14

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