ANA 2024: Royals duo Narelle Humphries and Jazelle Foggin crowned joint Lucille Holt Memorial Award winners
Royals Saints stars Jazelle Foggin and Narelle Humphries became just the third duo in Albany Netball Association history to be named joint winners of the Lucille Holt Memorial Award on Saturday.
The two were enormous at both ends of the court, with Humphries providing relentless efforts on defence and applying constant pressure on Bullets 1 shooters.
Foggin finished off their work at the other end with deadeye shooting in the A1 premiership victory.
Camera IconRoyals Jazelle Foggin shoots on her way to 40 goals. Credit: Laurie Benson
It was the first time in more than 20 years two players shared the grand final fairest-and-best honour after Gillian Woods and Jodie Neville did it in 2001, and Robyn MacDonald and Corine Marshall the following year.
The pair switched to Royals from Kangas this year, and they were vital in their side’s 53-46 win over Bullets — one that marked the club’s fifth title in eight years.
Humphries quelled the influence of 2024 all-star and coaches’ player of the year Emily Gadean with smothering defence and drove her side’s offence from turnovers.
Camera IconRoyals Saints Narelle Humphries blocks a shot. Credit: Laurie Benson
She was highly influential in the second and third quarters, restricting Gadean to just nine and eight goals in each.
After her sister Nardia won it last year, Humphries was humbled to share the award with her sharpshooting teammate.
“Coming from third and having to play two weeks in a row, not having a break or anything, and to come and win by that margin, it’s pretty good,” she said.
“It’s an honour to win this award, and especially with someone like Jaz (Foggin).
“I’m so privileged to be here and be at Royals and be a part of their three-peat.”
Camera IconRoyals Jazelle Foggin takes possession. Credit: Laurie Benson
Foggin was devastatingly accurate inside the goal circle against arguably the best defender in the competition, Bullets’ Claire Holliday, shooting 23 goals on 88 per cent shooting in the first half to finish with a game-high 40 goals.
Foggin said the award was a testament to her side’s effort throughout the season.
“It was a bloody tough game. We’ve worked so hard all season . . . week in, week out,” she said.
“It’s an honour to be here and as premiers.
“It was just the basics which helped us win.
“We maintained our plays, we kept our skills up and utilised them, and that was our main priority, just to maintain that level, not drop our heads.”
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