Melissa McCauley knows how to leave opposition coaches scratching their heads.
The goalshooting sensation from Melton has dominated the Ballarat Netball League landscape this season with an incredible 637 goals.
And as coach, she led the Bloods to premiership glory.
So it was no surprise that when her coaching counterparts were asked to name the league’s best player, McCauley was on top of their list.
She took out the league’s first netball MVP award with 23 votes, three clear of East Point’s Emma Ryan.
The dynamic shooter said it was a great feeling to be recognised by her peers.
“I was a bit surprised.
“It’s an honour to take it out and be recognised by the other coaches in the league.”
McCauley was full of praise for her teammates, who she said made her coaching job a lot easier.
“I do have a lot of experienced players in the team,” she said.
“I think that’s one of the things that makes us such a strong outfit. Everyone can contribute.”
The good news didn’t stop there for McCauley, who was also named as starting goalshooter in the league’s team of the year.
She was joined in the 12-woman squad by teammate Brooke Thompson, who was selected as the starting goal defence and captain.
McCauley believes Thompson could have swept the league’s awards had she played more games through the season.
“Brooke has had a really good season,” McCauley said.
“Part of that is her height and defence through the court.
“She would have been close to taking out either MVP or best and fairest, but I think she played only about a third of the season.”
