ANA 2023: Royals Saints star Nardia Humphries wins Lucille Holt award for second time after brilliant display

Royals Saints star Nardia Humphries now has her named engraved on the Lucille Holt perpetual trophy twice, for two vastly different grand final performances. In 2017 as a teenager Humphries produced a brilliant display as a goal shooter with her 36 goals powering Royals Saints to an overtime victory against Magpies. On Saturday it was Humphries’ dynamic play at wing attack and most notably her outstanding defensive work that netted her the honour as the best-and-fairest player in the Albany Netball Association A1 grand final. Moved from her traditional forward role during the 2023 season, Humphries produced four brilliant stellar quarters at wing attack. Her speed driving to the ball, constant feeds and fierce defensive pressure was on full display, helping Royals Saints overcome a stiff challenge from Bullets to claim a five-goal premiership triumph. “I’m feeling very privileged and honoured to get the award named after an amazing netball player,” Humphries said. “It was amazing (to win back-to-back premierships) and to do with the best bunch of girls I couldn’t be more proud and happier of my team and coaching crew. “(Bullets) have definitely come a long way they should be so proud of themselves.” Royals Saints coach Carly Szczecinski praised the performance of her grand final hero. “I’ve been coaching her since she was 14,” Szczecinski said. “She never stops surprising me and showing me how she can developing and improve her game. “This is the first time in a long time she has played outside the shooting circle. “Her ability to drive to circle and pass to shooters effectively and also impact defensively, turning over crucial balls was crucial.”