Claudia Cook from the East Geelong Football and Netball Club is the 2026 GDFNL A Grade netball Margaret Webb medallist.
Polling 31 votes to secure the best and fairest award, Cook has become the fifth two-time Margaret Webb medallist in the history of the league following her first win in 2019.
Just two votes behind Cook was Maddison McKiernan from Winchelsea who secured the runners up award as well as being named in the team of the year alongside Cook.
Cook has now featured in the team of the year seven times, representing the Eagles as a strong mid-courter and the first East Geelong player to become a dual medallist.
“I was not expecting it at all. There’s a lot of players who have had an amazing year, so I didn’t think I’d be walking away with the award tonight,” Cook said.
Cook’s younger sister, Abbey Cook, joined the medal count late as a surprise and couldn’t be prouder of her older sister for the incredible season she has had.
“I backed her from the start. She’s had an unreal season and I’m really proud of her,” Abbey said.
“When I last won the Margaret Webb medal, Abbey was still in high school so it’s been really special having her in Geelong and playing for the same club,” Cook added.
Having already secured a spot in the grand final, Cook has the chance to become the seventh player to win both a Margaret Webb medal and a premiership in the same season.
“It’s a great feeling, however, I would trade it all to win the premiership, so hopefully we can get it done next Saturday and cap off an amazing year,” Cook shared.
East Geelong will have a break this week ahead of their grand final match where they will play the winner of the preliminary final between Winchelsea and Inverleigh.
Finishing the home and away season in second place with 14 wins, Cook and her team defeated both Bannockburn and Inverleigh to place East Geelong in the grand final.
“Our full court pressure is something we’ve worked on and come so far with this year, as well as our composure and making sure we stay level-headed,” Cook said.
As a seven-time team of the year player, two-time Margaret Webb medallist and five-time club best and fairest winner, Cook has certainly achieved excellence in her field and will prepare to chase her third A grade premiership cup with East Geelong next Saturday.
