Souwest Jets’ Brooke Gibson excited for next season after winning MVP award

After a tough season in 2022, Souwest Jets’ most valuable player says she’s excited for what is to come next year after celebrating achievements with her teammates.

Souwest Jets players, coaches, committee members and sponsors gathered at the Dolphin Discovery Centre on Saturday to celebrate the season that was, with a number of club awards handed out during the night.

Shooter and mid-courter Brooke Gibson was named the Jets’ Most Valuable Player for the Open team, with outgoing head coach Karly Guadagnin acknowledging her for her efforts throughout the 2022 WANL season.

Speaking to the South Western Times, Gibson said she was pretty surprised to receive the award, acknowledging the efforts of her teammates throughout the season.

“We’ve had a very tough season in terms of numbers,” she said.

“We lost a lot through injury and a few through pregnancy last year and we had high expectations after leaving last year on a high note.

“It was pretty difficult to not be able to meet those expectations this year but I think it’s a testament to all of the girls and their strength and resilience.

“I might have won the award but I couldn’t have done it without Giselle Taylor behind me and Cassie Farquhar-Reid and Brooke Repacholi in front.

“I think any of us could have won it.”

Ahead of returning for the 2023 season, Gibson said she was very excited to continue under the leadership of incoming head coach Cherie Farnan as Guadagnin steps down.

“We’ve had Karly for two years now and what Karly has brought has been exceptional,” she said.

“I feel like she has changed our club and our culture and with Cherie stepping in after working behind Karly as an assistant coach will be really good for next year.

“I think (Cherie) brings a soft, warm kind of motherly side, so I think she’ll be really good for what we need, especially after coming off such a tough season this year.

“I think next year will be better for us.”

Goal shooter Simone Dalkin received the Open coaches award for always putting in her best efforts with a smile on her face, while defender Brooke O’Connor received the Open ‘Fierce, Family, Flags’ Culture award for embodying the Jets’ club values throughout the season.

Giaan Evans, who enjoyed an incredible season with the Jets including an Open debut, was named the Most Valuable Player for the 20 & Under squad, while fellow Open debutant Isabel Legros was named the runner-up MVP.

Lilah Edmonds received the ‘Fierce, Family, Flags’ Culture award for the 20 & Under squad.