Edenhope netballer Sacha McDonald was recognised for a breakout 2019 season with an award from the Victorian Institute of Sport, VIS.

McDonald picked up a Netball Coaches’ Award for a year that saw her claim a premiership as captain of the Victorian Fury – the development side for Super Netball powerhouse Melbourne Vixens.

McDonald helped the Fury to a one-goal victory in the Australian Netball League grand final against Netball NSW Waratahs.

She also debuted for the Vixens in a pre-season competition and was named on the bench for one of the team’s regular season games, although she did not see court time.

The 19-year-old goalie said she was shocked but honoured to win a VIS award.

“It’s a little bit surprising. I wasn’t expecting it,” she said.

“But it’s always nice to win an award and get recognised, particularly when it’s from a coach.

“It’s obviously not a team premiership or anything like that, but it’s still nice to win something.”

McDonald, the younger sister of AFL players Tom and Oscar, said she was focused on bigger and better things in 2020 and hoped to see more action with the Vixens.

“As lovely as it is to win this award, a premiership comes as a priority before any of this,” she said.

“The 2019 Fury season was pretty incredible. The team that we had around us was really special and it made it all that much nicer when we won it – we got to celebrate altogether.

“It was a chaotic season for me personally going between a lot of different programs, but it was probably the most satisfying year I’ve had in my netball.

“I’m keen to get a bit more of a routine and a balanced season in 2020, hopefully back with the Vixens and the Fury again.

“Getting back into routine, getting a good pre-season under my belt, getting my body ready for a hard-hitting season on court – they’re my priorities for 2020.”

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