They often say dedication and hard work is what separates the best from the rest.
And that was evident on Tuesday night when Shepparton United star Jessie Barnes etched her name into the Goulburn Valley League netball history books with her second Wellman Family Medal.
Barnes went back-to-back in the league's highest A-grade individual honour, following her salute in 2019.
The ultra-classy goaler starred in the shortened 11-game season and finished the best-and-fairest count on 22 votes, seven ahead of Tatura midcourter Laura Ryan (15).
Barnes, who has also claimed a Murray Netball League best-and-fairest, becomes the first United player to take out the prestigious medal twice.
“Winning in 2019 was a dream come true. I never thought it would happen again,” Barnes said after the vote count.
“First and foremost I would like to thank my partner and daughter for all of their support. I have to thank my team, and not just the A-grade girls, but the B-grade, B-res and junior players as well.
“Thanks to all of the support staff at United and also big thanks to the league.”
Barnes joined rare company at Tuesday night's virtual presentation ceremony.
She joins the likes of league legends Steph Vick, Ash Mangan (three) and Karen Johnson to have won dual Wellman medals since the turn of the century.
The Dees leader polled in seven games and recorded six best-on-court performances.
United's round 12 loss to Echuca — its only defeat in an otherwise clinical campaign — was the one game that Barnes polled less than three votes.
Barnes’ coach Tania Orchard said she wasn't surprised to see her side's champion goal attack claim a second Wellman Medal.
“Jessie deserves everything that comes her way. She is an absolute star and I'm so happy for her,” Orchard said.
“Her dedication and hard work is amazing, it really is. I know (Jessie) doesn't strive and aim for these individual honours, but she lives and breathes netball and she is a great role model for the youngsters.
“That's highlighted with the other award winners, have a look at the under-17 and B-res winners. They (United's Hannah Onley and Charlotte Keady) are both goalers and they love her to bits. The club is so lucky to have Jessie.”
More local sport
Schache prepares for biggest game of his career