09/09/2026
🏆 GWS FURY PLAYER OF THE YEAR — 2026 🧡
Our most prestigious award — the GWS Fury Player of the Year — is presented to a player who has been a true standout throughout the season. An athlete who has consistently demonstrated excellence, commitment, leadership, impact and a willingness to put the team first.
This award is usually dedicated to one outstanding athlete. However, this season, we simply couldn’t choose one.
In 2026, we proudly celebrate TWO exceptional talents within our club — both from our Opens team, both outstanding contributors to our season.
🏆 Congratulations to our 2026 GWS Fury Players of the Year — Sovika Pousini & Emma Mateo! 🏆
🧡 SOVIKA POUSINI
Originally from Brisbane, Sovika made the move to Sydney this year to pursue her netball opportunities and continue her career within the NSW Premier League space.
In her very first season with GWS Fury, Sovika made an immediate impact. She brought confidence, flair, energy and versatility to our Opens team, establishing herself as a player who could make a difference when it mattered most.
Her ability to step onto the court and play with confidence beyond her years has been a standout feature of her season, and her contribution to our Fury family has been undeniable.
To now add an international debut for Tonga Tala at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, alongside fellow Fury Player of the Year Emma Mateo, to an incredible first season with Fury makes this achievement even more special.
Congratulations, Sovika — your impact this season has not gone unnoticed. 🧡👏🏽
🧡 EMMA MATEO
A name that is certainly not new to us, and a talent that our Fury family knows all too well.
Emma has once again shown exactly why she is one of the most valuable players within our club.
This season, Emma stepped outside her comfort zone and embraced new challenges, transitioning into a WD/GD role while continuing to showcase her well-known ability in the GK bib. We also saw her take on the C bib, exposing herself across all four positions and proving just how versatile and selfless a player she is.
Emma has consistently been the ultimate team player — doing whatever was needed for her team and putting the needs of the group first.
Her impact was also recognised by the people she shared the court with every week, as she was proudly awarded the 2026 Opens Players’ Player Award, voted for and chosen by her teammates. 🧡
And what a year it has been for Emma beyond Fury. Alongside Sovika, Emma proudly represented Tonga Tala at the 2026 Commonwealth Games, To see two of our Fury Opens athletes represent their country together is something our club can be incredibly proud of. 🇹🇴🧡
After taking home Player of the Year in 2025, Emma has backed it up once again in 2026, proving that her consistency, versatility and impact continue to speak for themselves.
Emma, we are incredibly proud of everything you have achieved, everything you have worked for and the player you continue to become.
🧡🇹🇴 FROM GWS FURY TO TALA
What makes this award even more special is that both Sovika and Emma have represented Tonga Tala on the international stage this year, making their Commonwealth Games debuts.
And as we celebrate them, they are already on their way to their next tournament in Tonga to compete alongside Team Tala at the Oceania Netball World Cup Qualifiers next week.
From everyone at GWS Fury, we wish Sovika, Emma and Team Tala the very best of luck. We’ll be proudly cheering you on every step of the way! 🇹🇴🧡
Congratulations to our 2026 GWS Fury Players of the Year — Sovika Pousini & Emma Mateo. 🏆🧡
