Netball
22 July, 2024
Grace still outstanding in 2024
A three-time runner-up in the Hatcher Medal, awarded for the Wimmera Football Netball League's best and fairest, Ashlee Grace has upped her game in 2024 and is having one of her best seasons on the court in the centre for the Horsham Saints.
As one of the most consistent players in the league, Grace is using that to drive her a bit and is not stopping anytime soon.
"It's frustrating, and it drives me a bit, knowing that for the last five years, I have been one of the most consistent players in the league," Grace said.
"It's great that I am always high up in the ranks, and hopefully, I get there one day, but I may be the person that never gets there."
The 26-year-old is consistently one of the best players on the court for the Saints. She provides excellent drive and great defence, having worked on that part of her game.
"This is up there as one of my better years. I feel fit and agile within the team, and I have good support," Grace said.
"I have tightened up in my defence against certain players that I know are influential down the court, and I stick together and work around them differently than I would have in the past."
As a senior member of the A-grade team and coach of the 17-and-under, her leadership and mentorship are invaluable.
"I feel privileged to coach and play with the younger players," Grace said.
"Hopefully, they can learn some maturity and netball etiquette and play their best netball, and if they do, I'm doing my job."
As for team success, the Saints lost their first game in over two years on July 7 against the Horsham Demons, and Grace said it wasn't a bad loss.
"Horsham played well on the day, so it's a huge credit to them, and I just think sometimes it isn't too bad to have a loss," Grace said.
"When you lose, you learn more about yourselves, and we take out what we can improve on, and with Jorja Clode coming back in a couple of weeks, we are confident about what we can do this season."