THE AFLW'S night of nights is upon us, and a new winner of the best and fairest is set to be crowned.

Who is among the favourites to join the likes of Erin Phillips, Emma Kearney, Maddy Prespakis, Brianna Davey and Kiara Bowers as winners of the coveted award?

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Reporter Sarah Black looks at the players expected to give it a big shake, and the outside chances who could surprise.

EMILY BATES (Brisbane)

The Brisbane vice-captain has already been recognised for her outstanding season, having been crowned the AFLCA champion player of the year. The midfielder took her game to a new level this season, where her workrate around the stoppages and pushing forward to hit the scoreboard was on show. Expect Bates to poll consistently and strongly over the count.

ASH RIDDELL (North Melbourne)

The North Melbourne ball-magnet was in exceptional touch this year, dominating matches through sheer workrate and endurance. A key linking player, she knows how to find the footy – becoming the first player to break the 40-disposal mark in an AFLW match – and has neat disposal skills. Featured in plenty of Roos wins, but could be sharing votes with teammates Emma Kearney and Jas Garner. 

EBONY MARINOFF (Adelaide)

It was another consistently excellent season from Marinoff, who didn't seem to have a single poor game this year. Her clearance efforts are first-rate, and her long kicks forward are a key part of Adelaide's strong performance. Will be sharing votes with plenty of teammates, but most notably Anne Hatchard.

HAYLEY MILLER (Fremantle)

Miller is coming into her prime, relishing her first season as Fremantle skipper. Her clearance work in the middle was exceptional, as was her ability to bob up and kick vital goals to drag her side back into the contest. Likely to poll well in the early and middle portions of the season, but may drop off in the home straight.

ANNE HATCHARD (Adelaide)

Hatchard was one of Adelaide's strongest performers in a season where the Crows finished as minor premiers. Like Riddell, Hatchard is a strong linking player, but what sets the Crow apart is her marking ability overhead, using her workrate to her advantage to rack up plenty of intercepts. It's always tough to read how the Adelaide players' votes will split, and she'll have competition from Marinoff.

OTHERS

Monique Conti should bob up for a few threes along the way, but Richmond hasn't won enough games for the Tiger to take it out. Expect to hear Kiara Bowers' name read out on plenty of occasions, however she is ineligible due to suspension and only played six games for the season.

Roo Jas Garner had a purple patch halfway through the season and teammate Emma Kearney had a consistently strong year. Bulldogs Kirsty Lamb and Ellie Blackburn should feature in the count, while Melbourne's votes are likely to be spread across a wide array of players, including Karen Paxman, Lily Mithen, Tyla Hanks, Lauren Pearce and Alyssa Bannan.

Carlton's Mimi Hill should come home like a bullet train, but her delayed start to the season will ultimately cost her, and Alyce Parker and Alicia Eva are likely to take the Giants' share of votes.