How Horjus became player of the year

By Stephanie Smarrelli

It’s Georgie Horjus’ world, we’re just living in it. 

The 22-year-old Kangaroo Island native was crowned the league’s best player on Saturday night. 
 
The midcourt magician was shocked to hear her name called as the recipient of the 2024 Suncorp Super Netball Player of the Year award. 

“I’m definitely living the dream,” Horjus said. 

“It'll take a little bit to sink in, it's a pinch me moment.  

“I didn't think I’d ever win this award.” 

Having only been in the league for four years after making her debut as a training partner for the Thunderbirds in 2020, the wing attack has already cemented her spot among the sport’s best. 

Her hard work and family’s sacrifice to split apart so a teenage Horjus could chase her dreams has paid dividends.  

The award caps off a stellar year for Horjus who became a dual premiership player with the Thunderbirds and made her debut for the Origin Diamonds. 

She polled votes each time she pulled on the pink dress throughout 2024, except one match due to injury, but she didn’t realise how good her season was even if everyone around her could.  

“I was just hoping to see my mates tonight, I didn't expect any award,” she said. 

“It's been an exciting year, winning back-to-back premierships with the TBirds.” 
 
Spending most of the Thunderbirds’ season in wing attack Horjus dominated the circle edge with 445 feeds and 261 goal assists. 

Her sharp movements across the court were a challenge for even the most experienced defenders while her feeds into the circle were a dream for teammates.  

When the goal attack bib came her way, Horjus was ready to dominate. She seamlessly adjusted to the position slotting 93 goals throughout the season, including seven in the Grand Final. 

Missing only one match due to injury, Horjus was able to put her best netball on show week in, week out. 

She bounced back from the injury in red hot form with some of her best performances coming in the back half of the season. 

Highlights include the Thunderbirds Round 11 win against the Melbourne Mavericks, Horjus slotted five goals during her limited time in the goal circle while tallying up 116 Nissan Net Points, 37 feeds and 20 goal assists. 

The 22-year-old, was prolific again against the Lightning in Round 14 with the TBirds’ spot at the top of the table on the line ahead of finals. Horjus earned 104 Nissan Net Points and scored four Super Shots to help her team win the tight match.  

Attending the awards night alongside a couple of her Thunderbirds teammates who also hail from South Australia, Lucy Austin and Lauren Frew, Horjus was thrilled to see them flourishing. 

"I'm proud of them,” she said. 

“They’ve worked hard over the last couple of years to earn their spot in the TBirds team. 

“I’m really lucky to spend tonight with them.”  

Austin and Frew took out their own accolades throughout the night with Austin named the Fast5 Player of the Series and Frew the SSN Rookie of the Year. 

With two premierships in her back pocket and confidence the Thunderbirds can chase a third, the future is bright for Horjus. 

"We can take it another year,” she said.