Netball
10 September, 2024
Knorpp's amazing season
In her first year playing netball, 13-year-old Piper Knorpp has made the court her own, not only winning the Warrack Eagles 13-and-under best and fairest two weeks ago but also finishing runner-up in the Wimmera Football Netball League best and fairest, which was crowned last Monday night.
In the league best and fairest, Knorpp polled 30 votes, 13 votes behind Horsham Saints Ruby Bethune.
In the Warrack Eagles best and fairest, Knorpp polled 38 votes, ten ahead of runner-up Ayla Gunn.
Considering Knorpp hadn't played netball before the start of this season, it's a fantastic accomplishment, and the way she took to the court this year shows she has a bright future in the sport.
Knorpp played football but decided to play netball at the start of the season so she could play with her friends.
"I didn't enjoy footy much anymore, and as all my friends started playing netball, I wanted to join them," Knorpp said.
"I enjoyed playing with all my friends, learning new skills, and playing a new game; coming from football, it was different.
"It was a shock that I did so well. I gave it my best crack. My coach, Bonnie Gunn, said she is proud of how far I have come."
Knorpp plays goal defence and loves the position.
"I get to have a run-around and still defend the ring, and it's even better with my mate Fergie Kennedy as goal-keeper," Knorpp said.
"I like defending the shooters, and as I am goal defence, I can play two-thirds of the court, which I love."
Knorpp's father, Justin, said it's incredible how quickly she picked up the game, citing her basketball background as a factor.
"People can't believe how quickly she picked up the game and how well she reads it, and her basketball experience played a bit of a part in doing so well," Justin said.
"It's a surprise she won these awards, and it's awesome she did so well, and we are proud of her."
The 13-and-under Warrack Eagles netballers finished third on the ladder and lost their final to the Horsham Demons last week, 32-21.
On Sunday, the Warrack Eagles lost a thriller by one goal to Stawell at Coughlin Park, knocking them out of finals contention.