Treble triumphs for duo as off-season looms

In a thrilling climax to the 2018 South West Netball Football League season, Harvey-Brunswick-Leschenault’s Brooke Repacholi and Carey Park’s Paris Newman each completed a rare treble last week.

Both players tied for the League MVP and 2018 Rising Star awards last Friday night, before Repacholi and Newman took out the ECU Souwest Jets league and 18-and-under best and fairest honours respectively last Sunday.

Maia Bratton led on 18 votes with three rounds to play in the SWNFL league season — two ahead of Newman — and appeared to be on course for MVP honours.

However, Repacholi stormed home with five votes to share the honour with Newman, while Bratton finished runner-up.

Modest about her achievements, Repacholi simply loves representing the Lions at any opportunity.

“It is my local club that has a good club culture and I love playing with the girls,” she said.

“My goals heading into the season were to contribute to my team in making the finals, having fun and enjoying the season along with practising my skills.”

It’s been a busy year for Repacholi, who travelled with the Australian under-16s team to the Gold Coast earlier this year — and even though the club season has ended, she is still training.

“This weekend’s training at the Fever In Time trials was mainly fitness testing,” she said.

“We will now train three times a week plus gym work for strength and conditioning.

“Off season is pretty intense as we don’t stop training until the Christmas break.

“I would like to increase my fitness to work at a higher intensity level.”

Newman’s season was also nothing short of stunning, considering she made her league debut with the Panthers this season.

“I enjoy every aspect of the Panthers,” she said. “They’re a very supportive club and always push me to achieve my goals.

“My team members and coach are an amazing bunch of people and I always find myself laughing and smiling when I’m around them. Overall the atmosphere at the Panthers is great.”

Like Repacholi, Newman is keen to continue her training over the off-season as she aims to secure a place in the 2019 under-17 State team.