Indi Coates-Ahomiro and Keely Berry headline as joint stars of Albany Netball Association awards night

Two young netball stars made history on Saturday, after sharing the Albany Netball Association’s A1 best and fairest honour and the best under-18 player — the first time both awards have been won jointly. Kangas skipper Keely Berry and Denmark talent Indi Coates-Ahomiro were both forced to clear out room in their trophy cabinets after being crowned joint winners at the Michelle Parsons awards night. The rising stars, who both play in defensive positions for their respective teams, locked down both the titular Michelle Parsons Memorial Award and the Susan Howlett under-18 award at the Lime 303-hosted event. Berry, who was also named the association’s best and fairest under-18 player last year, said she was honoured to be recognised in the large talent pool. “It feels really cool, because you’re versing women and a lot of other skilled people, but being the younger of the group makes it feel better, because you have had less experience, but are still just as good to be able to win these awards,” the 17-year-old said. “It was just a really good feeling to be able to stand up in front of everyone and just know that you’re good at netball.” Coates-Ahomiro, who is only 15-years-old, said she was happy to share the titles with Berry. “I definitely didn’t think I would get as many votes as I did,” she said. “I didn’t think I was actually going to poll like at all so it was a complete surprise but I’m very happy that I didn’t have to go up by myself — I was not ready to do a speech at all. “It felt really good getting such a big achievement though, especially being the youngest in most of the teams.” A member of the Netball Australia under-19 squad, Berry plans to take her aspirations as far as she can, but first needs to play well for Narrikup in Saturday’s grand final. Coates-Ahomiro on the other hand, said that whiles she loves netball, her sights are on the AFLW and plans to head to SEDA College in Perth next year. The A1 fairest and best runner-up was also shared, with Royals Saints’ Summer Stirling and Narrikup’s Te Paea Keremete both crowned. Jenny Cristinelli was the winner of the ANA Coaches Award while Keely Cronje took home the Dawn Ellis Umpiring Award for 2026. Also named on the night was the A1 All Stars team of the year. Berry, Stirling and Keremete were selected alongside Kasey Warren (Railways), Claire Holliday (Bullets), Narelle Humphries (Royals), Jennelle Marwick (Griffins), Apryl Oreo (Kangas), and Ashlee Kerr (Magpies).