There are many pivotal moments that pop up along the road of an aspiring netballer's journey to the top, and the Origin Energy Premier League is the stage for a lot of them.
Take Isabella Rankin from the UTS Randwick Sparks as an example. As the first-ever recipient of the Wendy Archer AM Medal, which is awarded to the Under 23s Player of the Year, it's fair to say that there haven't been many moments more pivotal in her netballing career so far.
"I feel very honoured to win the medal," she says. "I can think of so many quality players in my team and the Under 23s competition that are just as deserving of this, so it is definitely a huge privilege and I am very grateful.
"The Premier League has allowed me to be coached, play and train alongside some of the best which has enabled me to improve my skills and game play. I also love the quality of competition amongst the teams and that every game is a challenge."
Knowing that Premier League is a survival of the fittest, it made her Award win - which was presented at the 2021 Netball NSW State Awards - all the sweeter.
"I’ve been lucky enough to be in some successful teams through my time in the Metro and Premier Leagues," she added.
"My favourite memory was winning last year's Grand Final as part of the Under 23s Sparks team. We were a brand new team, with many of us new to Premier League.
"We bonded really well and were lucky to have some pretty special coaches (and thankfully still do) who brought out the best in each of us and made us all feel valued."
Toni Anderson of the Sutherland Stingrays won the Nance Kenny OAM Medal, which is awarded to Premier League Opens Player of the Year, while two further Premier League atheltes - Lili Gorman-Brown (Stingrays & QBE Swifts Academy) and Ang Frketic (Sparks & GIANTS Academy) were honoured with Marj Groves Scholarships.
"I was honoured to receive the Marj Groves award as I am a proud Sutherland Shire netballer and Netball NSW pathway athlete," Gorman said.
"It is a very inspirational award, and I am extremely grateful to all of those who play a role in supporting the game and my personal netball journey - the coaches, officials, umpires and administrators.
"A special thanks to Lenore (Blades, head coach) and the Swifts Academy team for all their hard work, which is such a valuable part of my netball development.
"In the Premier League with the Stingrays I have learnt so much from Maria Lynch who is an awesome technical coach and been integral to developing my netty smarts. I have also learnt from my talented teammates, many over the years who have played or will play at Suncorp Super Netball level."
Despite her young age, Frektic said being in the Premier League since its inception was key to her landing where she currently is. She also has some advice for those looking to follow in her footsteps.
"Playing in the Opens since the inaugural year in 2016, the competition is continuously evolving and increasing in intensity," she says.
"I believe it is an incredible platform which has allowed me to consistently play with and against the most talented, strong and competitive athletes in the state.
"A positive attitude and incredible work ethic speaks volumes. Personally, I don’t have the word 'can’t' in my vocabulary, because where there is a will there is a way. Always remember that everyone's journey is different and while you may have setbacks, they will make you more resilient and mentally tough.
"It’s important to be resilient, persistent and keep working hard. Always aim to wake up being a better person and athlete than you were yesterday."
Sounds like the Premier League has been taking a page from her book since it started.
