Sammy-Jo Johnson named Queensland Fire Player of the Year

Sammy-Jo Johnson was rewarded for her consistent showing in the 2019-20 domestic season being named Queensland’s player of the year on Wednesday (April 8). This is the second time the allrounder has bagged the award; her first coming in 2017-18.

Johnson picked up 11 wickets during Queensland's Women's National Cricket League (WNCL) campaign and also starred with both bat and ball in the Women’s Big Bash League (WBBL) to help Brisbane Heat successfully defend their title. In the final between Heat and Adelaide Strikers, Johnson, promoted to No.3, smashed a rapid 27 to completely turn the game on its head. The burly right-hander crunched four sixes off the bowling of Sophie Devine to put Heat in the driver's seat in their chase of 162.

Johnson's impressive form saw her earn a place in the Australia A squad that took on India in a six-match limited overs series in Queensland.

Commenting on the 2019-20 cricket season, Chris Simpson, Queensland Chairman, said, “The 2019-20 summer was one where Queensland Cricket enjoyed highlights and success on and off the field, however like all Australians, we have faced several challenges in the last month.”

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“While we would have loved to celebrate the achievements of our players, staff and volunteers at our awards dinner like we usually do, it is still important we round out the season and recognise the successes we’ve had.”

Meanwhile, Jess Jonassen was named Heat’s most valuable player of the season. The allrounder finished second on the bowling charts with 21 wickets, and also scored 419 runs, to finish as Heat's second-highest run-getter.

Additionally, their trio of Delissa Kimmince, Beth Mooney and Jonassen were all part of Australia's ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020-winning team that trounced India in the final of the tournament. While Jonassen picked up three wickets, Mooney scored a match-winning 78 not out and was also named player of the series for her tally of 259 runs.

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Grace Harris, Georgia Voll, Lexie Muller and Meagan Dixon were the other award winners of the evening.

“Congratulations to our award winners and thank you to all of cricket’s stakeholders for your work throughout the summer and beyond,” Simpson concluded.

With cricket has taken a backseat due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the players have begun their annual leave this week. However, they remain in touch with Queensland’s high performances coaches to monitor their progress for the upcoming season. 

Award winners:

Queensland Fire Player of the Year: Sammy-Jo Johnson

Queensland Fire Player's Player of the Year: Grace Harris

Brisbane Heat WBBL MVP: Jess Jonassen

Youth Female Player of the Year: Georgia Voll

QLD Government Female Country Player of the Year: Lexie Muller

Queensland Lightning Player of the Year (Indoor): Meagan Dixon