Netball: Silver Ferns defender Sulu Fitzpatrick awarded top prize at NZ Netball Awards

  • 09/12/2021

Silver Ferns defender Sulu Fitzpatrick has taken home the top prize at the 2021 NZ Netball Awards on Wednesday, voted by her peers as the Dame Lois Muir Supreme Award for the best netballer across all competitions.

Fitzpatrick led the Mystics to their maiden ANZ Premiership title, while starring for the national side as a consistent defensive menace, where her contribution was recognised with elevation to Silver Ferns vice-captain.

Silver Ferns Player of the Year went to midcourter Samantha Winders, who was one of only three players to play in all seven internationals against Australia and England.

Both the Dame Lois Muir Supreme and Silver Ferns Player of the Year awards were decided by votes from coaches and fellow Silver Ferns players.

Defender Karin Burger was crowned ANZ Premiership Player of the Year, after her star turn for the Mainland Tactix, where she led the league in interceptions (48) and finished second in deflections (69) and rebounds (27). 

Burger was also named the fan favourite.

Paris Lokotui's breakthrough season has earned her the Aspiring Silver Fern award. The 19-year-old's standout debut campaign for Central Pulse saw her immediately elevated to the Silver Ferns training squad for the series against the Roses and Aotearoa Men.

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.