With two grand finals on the horizon, the 19-year-old was named Wagga Netball’s best on Wednesday night.

The Uranquinty centre finished three votes clear of Hayley Stephens from Shooting Stars to win her first league best and fairest.

After finishing runners-up two years ago, two points behind Paige Guthrie, Tilyard was thrilled to take the win.

However it wasn’t something she expected with Uranquinty performing so well throughout the year.

“It was a bit unexpected but really good it actually it as I was runners-up before,” Tilyard said. “Especially with such a strong team as well.

“The girls I play with are absolutely amazing and usually when everyone is quite strong you get the votes shared out so it was really nice to get the win.”

Tilyard didn’t play in the last game which left an anxious wait but held her advantage to take the win.

Now she’s looking for more success with two grand finals this weekend.

First she will line up in the Riverina League grand final where Wagga Tigers are looking to go back-to-back taking on Collingullie-Glenfield Park on Saturday.

Then the bulk of the team will back up on Sunday as Uranquinty look to win their first Wagga Netball title since 2012.

Making her A Grade debut at 14, Tilyard has been part of the three grand final losses including two in the past two seasons.

The last two they’ve gone straight through to the grand final only to come unstuck in the big game.

Tilyard is hoping history won’t repeat once more.

“I think it makes us even more determined,” she said.

“The last couple of losses have been quite hard as we’ve been minor premiers or first through so it would be really nice if we can seal the deal this year.”

Uranquinty have only lost the once this season and have won both clashes with New Kids Aces so far but did fall to the experienced side in last year’s grand final.

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