Star defender Courtney Bruce has taken out Australian netball's highest individual honour, winning the 2021 Liz Ellis Diamond.
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Long-time West Coast Fever captain Bruce celebrated her 28-year-old birthday with the award, which is named after Australia's most-capped player.
Previous award winners include Gretel Bueta, Liz Watson and former long-time Test captain Caitlin Bassett.
Bruce received the prize at Wednesday night's Australian Netball Awards after her stellar domestic and international season.
During 2021, she stamped herself as the nation's best goal keeper, finishing the Super Netball season with a league-high 97 deflections and 97 gains, equal leader for defensive rebounds (26) and second ranked for intercepts (48).
Bruce was also a rock for Australia during their losing Constellation Cup series against New Zealand in March.
"There is no better birthday present than winning the Liz Ellis Diamond," Bruce said.
" have admired Liz Ellis for such a long time and it is an honour to win this award.
"It is a privilege to represent my country and my state and I am incredibly grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout my netball career."
Bruce was also named goal keeper in the Super Netball Team of the Year, which was voted by players and coaches.
No NSW Swifts players made the all-star starting team despite taking out the 2021 title.
Other members of the team were Bruce's Fever teammate Jhaniele Fowler at goal shooter, Giants duo Jo Harten and Maddy Hay at goal attack and wing attack, Queensland Firebirds pair centre Kim Ravaillion and wing defence Gabi Simpson, while new Diamonds selection Sunday Aryang from West Coast was included at goal defence.
Sam Wallace (NSW), Jamie-Lee Price (Giants) and Shamera Sterling (Adelaide Thunderbirds) were included as reserves.
Fowler was named Super Netball Player of the Year for the fourth year running, after again finishing as the league's top goal scorer with 891 goals - which included three perfect 100 per cent accuracy matches.
Other award winners included Swifts premiership coach Briony Akle, Giants goal attack Sophie Dwyer as rising star and Australia captain Liz Watson was named international player of the year.
Australian Associated Press
