Capping off an incredible year of Victorian netball, Melbourne Vixen Julie Corletto has been awarded netball’s highest individual honour, the prestigious Liz Ellis Diamond. Corletto joined other homegrown winners Julie Hoornweg (Coach of the Year), Renae Hallinan (International Player of the Year) and Kathleen Knott (ANL Player of the Year). Rebecca Williams from the Herald Sun also received an award for her exceptional coverage of netball throughout the year.

One of the brightest lights of Australian netball, Corletto showed her match winning qualities this year in the Holden Netball Test Series and the Diamonds tour to New Zealand.

Her amazing athletic ability gives her the versatility to play in any defensive position. With excellent one-on-one defence skills and a game highlighted by her speed and power off the mark Corletto also has a great anticipation to intercept the ball.

A vital member of the Vixens Championship team, Corletto is only getting better with every appearance on court.

Unfortunately a knee injury meant her 2009 Diamond season ended prematurely after the New Zealand tour. However, Corletto will be back better than ever in 2010, a vital element of the Diamonds tilt at Commonwealth Games gold.

The Liz Ellis Diamond recognises the player who receives the most votes for outstanding achievement in both the international arena and the ANZ Championship each year. It is the highest individual honour in Australian netball.

The award is named after former Australian captain and most capped Australian player of all time, Liz Ellis, who was on hand to present Corletto with her prize of a $5000 cheque and superb one carat diamond.

Other award winners announced at the Australian Netball Awards tonight were:

Australian ANZ Championship Player of the Year - Natalie von Bertouch

Holden Australian International Player of the Year - Renae Hallinan

ANPA Australian 21/U Team Player of the Year - Andrea Gilmore

Winners of 2009 ANZ Championship - Melbourne Vixens

Lorraine Lea Linen Umpire of the Year Award - Sharon Kelly

Australian Sports Commission Coach of the Year Award - Julie Hoornweg

New Idea’s Australia’s Favourite Diamond – Susan Pratley

Netball Australia Media Award – Rebecca Williams

New Idea Australian Netball League Player of the Year - Kathleen Knott – Victorian Fury