Courtney Bruce has capped her outstanding netball year by collecting the 2023 Liz Ellis Diamond for a second time, but the awards night was rocked by a player boycott.
The 29-year-old defender received the top gong - which she also collected in 2021 - at the Australian netball awards in Melbourne on Saturday night for her stellar domestic and international seasons with the West Coast Fever and the Diamonds.
She was also crowned international player of the year, becoming the sixth Diamond in the last decade to collect both awards.
However apart from the Australian players, who were contractually obliged to be there, other Super Netball players were not present due to their ongoing pay dispute with the governing body.
The Australian Netball Players' Association issued a statement that was shared by many players on social media.
"Tonight are the Netball Australia Awards and the Diamonds are attending because they are legally obligated to be present," the statement read.
"With no agreement on our collective player agreement, SSN players have been unpaid for nearly eight weeks.
"We will continue to #FightForFair.
"What we have requested is affordable and sustainable to the game and promotes a genuine partnership to grow the game."
Diamonds defender and players association president Jo Weston posted: "Thinking of our SSN (Suncorp Super Netball) playing group tonight, unpaid yet still united."
The previous collective bargaining agreement expired eight weeks ago, leaving players without contracts and in limbo heading into next year's Super Netball season.
West Coast Fever captain Bruce was instrumental in helping the Diamonds re-stock their trophy cabinet over the past 12 months as defender of the series at the Netball Quad Series and in the triumphant Netball World Cup campaign.
"It is absolutely crazy to win", Bruce said. "Not many people see the hard work that we put in behind the scenes to get to perform every day.
"This award is so special considering the bunch of athletes currently playing in Australia. I am so grateful to spend the time I do with my teams and to treasure the memories on and off the court."
Adelaide Thunderbirds defender Shamera Sterling was named Super Netball player of the year. She topped the defensive table to achieve 118 deflections, 46 intercepts and 38 rebounds for the champions.
SUPER NETBALL TEAM OF THE YEAR
Goal shooter – Donnell Wallam (Queensland Firebirds)
Goal attack – Helen Housby (NSW Swfits)
Wing attack – Paige Hadley (NSW Swifts)
Centre – Jamie-Lee Price (GIANTS Netball)
Wing defence – Latanya Wilson (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Goal defence – Jodi-Ann Ward (Collingwood Magpies)
Goal keeper – Shamera Sterling (Adelaide Thunderbirds)
Attack reserve – Steph Wood (Sunshine Coast Lightning)
Centre reserve – Liz Watson (Melbourne Vixens)
Defence reserve – Courtney Bruce (West Coast Fever)
The Joyce Brown coach of the year award went to Diamonds mentor Stacey Marinkvich for a second straight year.
