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Champion Team of the Year Synergy Photos supplied: Sara Barbagallo, Herbert River Netball Association
Contributed with thanks by the Herbert River Netball Association
Herbert River Netball Association has wrapped up another successful season, with plenty of achievements to celebrate both on and off the court.
Synergy took out the B Division premiership, with Swifts finishing runners-up after a strong season. Synergy was also named Champion Team of the Year, with Madison Giorcelli awarded Player of the Final for her outstanding performance.
Individual achievements were also recognised at the end-of-season awards, with Vanessa Wilson named Junior MVP of the Year, Emerson Hague Rep Player of the Year, and Annalise Downing receiving the Rep Encouragement Award.
Jenna Guidicatti was presented with the Umpires Encouragement Award, while Aimee Seri was named Club Person of the Year in recognition of her valuable contribution to the association.
HRNA's Junior and Senior representative teams also enjoyed a successful year, competing against some of the region's strongest associations. Both teams travelled to Mackay for the Country Carnival in May, gaining valuable experience and testing themselves against quality opposition. The Junior representative team then went on to compete at the Junior State Age Carnival on the Gold Coast in July, providing players with the opportunity to experience a high level of competition and further develop their skills.
The association also continued its focus on player development through the annual River Cup in Tully in August, taking teams to compete, develop their skills and gain valuable game experience.
The development of HRNA's umpires was another major highlight of 2026. At the Country Carnival in May, Lisa Giorcelli successfully achieved her C Badge after working towards the goal for several years. At the Junior State Age Carnival on the Gold Coast, Aimee Seri and Sarah Castles also earned their C Badges, with Sarah receiving the carnival's Umpiring Encouragement Award.
In July, Sara Barbagallo successfully attained her C Badge at the McDonald's Junior Carnival in Townsville.
Junior umpires Madison Giorcelli and Chloe Kopeshke also received valuable coaching and feedback at the carnival and are now closer to achieving their own C Badges.
HRNA now has five current C Badged umpires, the most the association has had in recent years, which is a fantastic achievement for a small regional association and a reflection of the commitment to developing umpires at all levels.
The future of Herbert River netball is also looking bright, with a thriving NetSetGO and C Division programs introducing a new generation of young players to the sport. For many of HRNA's youngest members, NetSetGO provides their first taste of netball, helping them develop fundamental skills, build confidence and friendships, and discover a love of the game.
As the 2026 season draws to a close, HRNA extends a huge thank you to all players, families, coaches, umpires and volunteers who have contributed to another wonderful year.
With new facilities and an improved format of play coming in 2027, the association is looking forward to an exciting new chapter.
Congratulations to all of our 2026 award winners and to everyone who made the season such a success.
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