MELBOURNE stars Kate Hore and Tyla Hanks have tied for the Demons' best and fairest, with the award named after the great Daisy Pearce.
Hore and Hanks, who both re-signed for four years this week, tied for the Daisy Pearce Trophy on Saturday night.
It marked the second time Hore and Hanks have won the Dees' B&F, with the former going back-to-back and the latter adding to the prize she claimed in 2021.
Hore was named the All-Australian captain this year and also shared the leading goalkicker award, with teammate Eden Zanker, after kicking 20 goals in the home and away season.
Hanks averaged 21.3 disposals, 5.2 clearances and 4.1 tackles in an impressive season.
"Kate elevated her game to another level this season, increasing her speed and power in the off-season and successfully transferring that into on-field performance," Melbourne coach Mick Stinear said.
"Her contested game, both in the air and on the ground, is one of the best in the competition and when you combine her scoring power with her impact with the midfield, it makes her a truly unique player in AFLW.
"She successfully took her game to another level while taking to the captaincy role with great authenticity. Kate is an ultimate professional in her approach, which leads to consistent and reliable performance for the team."
Stinear added: "'Hanksy' continues to grow as a player and leader each season and this one is no exception.
"Tyla has an incredible balance with her contested game, defensive pressure and creativity with the ball. With her footwork, agility, footy IQ and skill, she is a joy to watch, and combined with her work rate and will to win, she is a great teammate.
"She leads by example and does everything for the team. Tyla has embraced the opportunity and responsibility to lead as vice-captain and delivered an outstanding season on-field."
Hanks and Hore shared the prize with 64 votes, with ruck Lauren Pearce finishing third on 54.
Earlier on Saturday night, the Dees announced the club's AFLW best and fairest award would be named after Daisy Pearce, who retired after winning the premiership in season seven as an AFLW icon.
64 votes: Tyla Hanks
64 votes: Kate Hore
54 votes: Lauren Pearce
52 votes: Sinead Goldrick
52 votes: Olivia Purcell
51 votes: Eden Zanker
51 votes: Lily Mithen
48 votes: Libby Birch
47 votes: Blaithin Mackin
47 votes: Shelley Heath
Demon Spirit Award: Lily Mithen
GOLD COAST
CLAUDIA Whitfort has taken out Gold Coast's best and fairest after an impressive 2023 season.
The midfielder, 24, enjoyed a career-best campaign, averaging 24.5 disposals, 6.7 tackles and 6.5 clearances across 11 games.
Whitfort won the Suns' best and fairest with 322 votes, finishing ahead of Charlie Rowbottom (270) and Daisy D'Arcy (255).
Now at her third club, Whitfort finished joint second in the AFLW best and fairest, won by Richmond star Monique Conti, last month.
Whitfort was also seventh in the AFL Coaches Association's AFLW Champion Player of the Year award.
Rowbottom averaged 26.8 disposals, 9.7 tackles and 7.1 clearances in 2023, forming a strong midfield combination with Whitfort.
The duo helped the Suns reach the finals before they bowed out in a loss to Sydney in the first week.
322 votes: Claudia Whitfort
270 votes: Charlie Rowbottom
255 votes: Daisy D'Arcy
252 votes: Jac Dupuy
251 votes: Lucy Single
251 votes: Alison Drennan
238 votes: Bess Keaney
234 votes: Maddy Brancatisano
225 votes: Niamh McLaughlin
221 votes: Lauren Ahrens
Players' Player: Maddy Brancatisano
Most Professional: Maddy Brancatisano
Coach's Award: Bess Keaney
Leading Goalkicker: Jamie Stanton
Player of the Series (Autumn Series): Jac Dupuy
GEELONG
GEELONG star Georgie Prespakis claimed her first best and fairest award after an excellent 2023 season.
The 20-year-old midfielder averaged 24.2 disposals, 7.2 tackles and 6.6 clearances per game this year.
Prespakis polled 188 votes to win the Cats' best and fairest ahead of Nina Morrison (163).
Only Richmond gun Monique Conti (7.3) and Gold Coast midfielder Charlie Rowbottom (7.1) averaged more clearances than Prespakis in 2023.
Morrison also enjoyed a tremendous season.
She averaged 22.9 disposals and 4.8 clearances while also kicking six goals in 2023.
Amy McDonald finished third with 82 votes.
The Cats enjoyed a strong 2023 season, finishing sixth on the ladder before reaching a preliminary final, losing to eventual premier Brisbane by four points.
188 votes: Georgie Prespakis
163 votes: Nina Morrison
82 votes: Amy McDonald
69 votes: Claudia Gunjaca
53 votes: Becky Webster
50 votes: Jackie Parry
34 votes: Aishling Moloney
23 votes: Chloe Scheer
21 votes: Chantel Emonson
19 votes: Meghan McDonald
Fan MVP Award: Georgie Prespakis
Hoops Award: Renee Garing
Carter Family Community Champion Award: Kate Darby
ADELAIDE
EBONY Marinoff has edged out Anne Hatchard to win Adelaide's Club Champion award for a second time.
Marinoff, who won the award in 2021, picked up 369 votes to finish ahead of Hatchard (341) and Niamh Kelly (318).
She joins Hatchard and Erin Phillips as multiple winners of the award.
Marinoff averaged 27.5 disposals and 10.4 tackles this season, which also earned her the Players' Player Award.
1. Ebony Marinoff (369)
2. Anne Hatchard (341)
3. Niamh Kelly (318)
4. Danielle Ponter (303)
5. Chelsea Biddell (297)
6. Eloise Jones (281)
7. Teah Charlton (261)
8. Zoe Prowse (257)
9. Madison Newman (256)
10. Caitlin Gould (250)
10. Chelsea Randall (250)
Players Player Award: Ebony Marinoff
Members MVP Award: Ebony Marinoff
Leading Goal Kicker Award: Danielle Ponter
Best Defensive Player Award: Zoe Prowse
BRISBANE
ALLY Anderson has capped a brilliant season by winning her third best and fairest for Brisbane on Friday night.
In the same season she was named an All-Australian for the second time, Anderson (205) just held off fellow midfielder Belle Dawes (195) to take the prestigious gong in a premiership-winning season.
Irish winger Orla O'Dwyer (169) came third.
Anderson, 29, took her game to a higher level in 2023, averaging 24 disposals, six tackles and four clearances as she took the lead role following Emily Bates' off-season departure to Hawthorn.
Dawes flourished with the extra responsibility around the contest, averaging 18 disposals and being a leading light in Brisbane's preliminary final win over Geelong and Grand Final triumph over North Melbourne.
She helped turn the tide in the final quarter against the Kangaroos, setting up two goals as the Lions stormed to victory.
1. Ally Anderson - 205
2. Belle Dawes - 195
3. Orla O'Dwyer - 169
4. Nat Grider - 166
5. Dakota Davidson - 164
6. Bre Koenen - 163
7. Courtney Hodder - 160
8. Sophie Conway - 158
9. Jade Ellenger - 155
10. Cathy Svarc - 154
CARLTON
IN A new role this year, Breann Moody has taken out her second Carlton Best and Fairest award, beating out emerging midfielder Abbie McKay by a solitary vote.
The reigning All-Australian ruck spent more time as a key forward this year, providing a dangerous target deep in attack thanks to her contested marking prowess.
Late in the season Moody also reprised her role in the ruck and didn't miss a trick, with the highlight her 23 disposals, 46 hitout, 12 clearance performance against GWS in round eight.
Newly added to the leadership group, McKay finished in second place ahead of midfield partner Mimi Hill, while Keeley Sherar and inaugural Blue Gab Pound rounded out the top five.
Sherar also took home the Coaches Award, McKay the Most Valuable Bagger – as voted by the playing group – and Irishwoman Erone Fitzpatrick was named the best first year player.
"We have been pushing our players to consistently live out high-performance behaviours and the award winners have truly taken these behaviours on board," Carlton head coach Mathew Buck said.
"Brea is very deserving of becoming a dual Best and Fairest winner at the Carlton Football Club. She has been a great leader this season and is key part of our side’s makeup.
"Abbie and Mimi are such a fun duo to watch. They are good friends away from football which I think shows in their on-field connection. They have both had a stellar season which is testament to their work ethic and commitment to our program.
"Keeley and Erone have both fully embraced the environment we have looked to create. I have been really impressed with how they have held their own in the side and never left anything to chance, to have players who are still emerging yet willing to drive such high standards has been so valuable for our program."
Winner: Breann Moody
Second place: Abbie McKay
Third place: Mimi Hill
Fourth place: Keeley Sherar
Fifth place: Gab Pound
Rookie of the year award: Erone Fitzpatrick
Most Valuable Bluebagger: Abbie McKay
Coaches Award: Keeley Sherar
COLLINGWOOD
BRIT Bonnici has capped off her return from a knee reconstruction by taking out Collingwood's best and fairest for 2023.
The midfielder finished well and truly ahead of fellow ACL returnee Bri Davey, polling 124 to her skipper's 78 votes.
Irish winger Sarah Rowe took out third place after arguably a career-best season, returning to football refreshed following a stint playing soccer both back home and with Melbourne Victory.
The trio were also recognised by their peers, finishing in a tie for the players' player award.
Another player who made a stirring return to form was fourth-place Sabrina Frederick, while the tenacious Mikala Cann rounded out the top five.
"Brit has had an outstanding 2023 season and she should be incredibly proud of this award," head of footy Jess Burger said.
"To be presented with this award upon her return from an ACL injury is a huge credit to Brit’s dedication and commitment to her game.
"Not only is Brit a reliable and consistent performer in our side, but she is also an outstanding leader and consistently drives high standards within our program. We can't wait to see where she can take her game in 2024."
Votes are conducted by the senior coach and the three assistant coaches, with each polling 5-4-3-2-1, meaning one player could potentially poll 20 votes from a match.
124 votes: Brit Bonnici
78 votes: Bri Davey
77 votes: Sarah Rowe
70 votes: Sabrina Frederick
59 votes: Mikala Cann
50 votes: Aishling Sheridan
25 votes: Grace Campbell
24 votes: Jordyn Allen
22 votes: Nell Morris-Dalton
14 votes: Tarni White
Players' player award: Brit Bonnici, Bri Davey and Sarah Rowe
Side by Side award (best clubperson): Kate Frazer, player development manager
Best first-year player award: Grace Campbell
ESSENDON
Essendon co-captain Bonnie Toogood has landed her first Best and Fairest award after a career best season in which she was named the All-Australian vice-captain.
Toogood was a leader in every sense of the word, kicking a club-best 16 goals and taking the most marks across the competition this season with 72. She also took out Essendon's Best Club Person award on the night.
Star midfielder Maddy Prespakis landed in second place after averaging a career-best 26.2 disposals and 5.5 clearances throughout the season, while young ruck Steph Wales finished third.
Wales earned a second Rising Star nomination in her second season and averaged 21 hitouts and 2.9 clearances working as Essendon's sole ruck.
Heart and soul Bomber Georgia Nanscawen was fourth, while Sophie Alexander and Sophie Van De Heuval shared the spoils of fifth place.
133 votes: Bonnie Toogood
125 votes: Maddy Prespakis
96 votes: Stephanie Wales
91 votes: Georgia Nanscawen
84 votes: Sophie Alexander, Sophie Van De Heuvel
76 votes: Ellyse Gamble
66 votes: Stephanie Cain
65 votes: Paige Scott
60 votes: Georgia Clarke
Leading Goalkicker: Bonnie Toogood
Rising Star: Paige Scott
Staff and Trainers Award: Sophie Alexander
Players' Player: Alex Morcom
Best Club Person: Bonnie Toogood
Most Courageous Player: Stephanie Wales
FREMANTLE
ANGE Stannett has capped off an excellent season by being crowned Fremantle's best and fairest in a nailbiting count on Friday night.
The Dockers vice-captain pipped defender Emma O'Driscoll but just one vote, polling 154 votes across her 10 games, and also took home the Best Clubwoman and Players' awards.
Ruck Mim Strom finished third.
Players are allocated zero to five votes based on their performances from five of the side's coaches, with players able to be awarded a maximum of 25 votes for one game.
"(It is) a superb result for Ange. She has been a really consistent performer across the 10 games (this year)," coach Lisa Webb said.
"Ange always has a team first approach. Everything she did on and off the field, no matter what her role was, she gave full effort and intensity."
154 votes: Ange Stannett
153 votes: Emma O’Driscoll
123 votes: Mim Strom
115 votes: Aine Tighe
113 votes: Laura Pugh
109 votes: Hayley Miller
108 votes: Orlagh Lally
107 votes: Dana East
104 votes: Megan Kauffman
101 votes: Madi Scanlon
Players’ Award: Ange Stannett
Best Clubwoman: Ange Stannett
Best First Year Player Award: Jae Flynn
GREATER WESTERN SYDNEY
GREATER Western Sydney's Zarlie Goldworthy has capped off a breakout year by taking out the club's best and fairest award.
The 18-year-old, who is in the frame for the League's Rising Star award, kicked 13 goals for the season, five of those coming in round eight's best-on-ground performance against Carlton.
It was a busy night for the forward/midfielder, who also picked up the Giants' Jacinda Barclay Fearless Award, the Members' Choice Award, the Rising Star Award, and the Leading Goalkicker Award.
Four-time winner Alyce Parker finished in second place despite missing the last three games of the season.
Defender Tarni Evans and midfielder Bec Beeson finished in equal third.
119 votes: Zarlie Goldsworthy
77 votes: Alyce Parker
68 votes: Tarni Evans and Rebecca Beeson
66 votes: Nicola Barr
48 votes: Haneen Zreika
47 votes: Chloe Dalton
34 votes: Alicia Eva and Katherine Smith
29 votes: Georgia Garnett
Academy Player of the Year: Mel Staunton
Rising Star Award: Zarlie Goldsworthy
Giants Community Award: Chloe Dalton
Members Choice Award: Zarlie Goldsworthy
Mark of the Year: Brodee Mowbray – Round 3 v Richmond
Goal of the Year: Jessica Doyle – Round 7 v St Kilda
Defensive Moment of the Year: Nicola Barr – Round 6 v West Coast
Leading Goal Kicker: Zarlie Goldsworthy – 13 goals
Jacinda Barclay Fearless Award: Zarlie Goldsworthy
Coaches Award: Haneen Zreika
HAWTHORN
EMILY Bates' first season in Hawthorn colours has finished with a best and fairest.
It's the star midfielder's fifth club medal from eight seasons, after recording four at previous club Brisbane.
Bates has now won best and fairests in her last three straight seasons. Her first two came in 2017 and 2020, then she saluted in both 2022 seasons and this year.
Intercept defender Jenna Richardson finished second, polling 58 votes to Bates' 74.
It was a tie for third place between midfielders Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Jasmine Fleming, just shy of Richardson with 57 votes, with improving key forward Aine McDonagh finishing in fifth, polling 52.
The 2023 season was just the 22-year-old Richardson's second at the highest level, having come through the Eastern Ranges under-18-Hawthorn VFLW pathway.
Votes came from three different groups – the senior coach, the head of development and development coaches, and assistant coaches. Players are allocated three votes if they're in the best, two for having an influence on the game, and one for playing their role or beating their opponent.
74 votes: Emily Bates
58 votes: Jenna Richardson
57 votes: Tilly Lucas-Rodd and Jasmine Fleming
52 votes: Aine McDonagh
49 votes: Kaitlyn Ashmore
48 votes: Kristy Stratton
40 votes: Mackenzie Eardley
39 votes: Greta Bodey
36 votes: Aileen Gilroy and Lucy Wales
Most improved: Aine McDonagh
Most courageous: Tamara Smith
Outstanding excellence (combined on and off-field performance): Jenna Richardson
Best clubperson: Catherine Brown
Gold standards: Emily Bates
NORTH MELBOURNE
Jasmine Garner has capped off another stunning season with her fourth North Melbourne Best and Fairest win on Thursday evening.
Added to her sixth All-Australian selection, the AFL Coaches Association's Champion player, and AFL Players Association MVP already earned this season, Garner took her career games tally to 75 this year averaging a career-best 28.5 disposals, 7.2 tackles, and 6.5 clearances while also kicking 13 goals.
Garner beat out midfield partner Ash Riddell by 10 votes on the night. Riddell finished equal-second in last month's AFLW Best and Fairest award after another stunning season. The midfielder notched up her 50th AFLW game in round seven with a best-on-ground 35 disposal, two goal performance.
Club captain Emma Kearney finished in third after leading the Roos to its maiden Grand Final appearance.
Jenna Bruton was named Shinboner of the Year, Taylah Gatt the Best Young Player, and Kim Rennie Best Clubwoman. Garner also took home the club's Next Level Performer award as voted on by the fans.
206 votes: Jasmine Garner
196 votes: Ash Riddell
163 votes: Emma Kearney
150 votes: Mia King
140 votes: Sarah Wright
134 votes: Alice O'Loughlin
132 votes: Tahlia Randall
130 votes: Jasmine Ferguson
129 votes: Kim Rennie
121 votes: Bella Eddey, Emma King
Shinboner of the Year: Jenna Bruton
Best Clubwoman: Kim Rennie
Best Young Player: Taylah Gatt
Mazda Next Level Performer: Jasmine Garner
PORT ADELAIDE
YOUNG gun Abbey Dowrick has claimed Port Adelaide's best and fairest after an impressive second season in the AFLW.
The 21-year-old finished on 106 votes to win the prize ahead of Gemma Houghton (93) and Matilda Scholz (84), while retiring great Erin Phillips (82) was fourth.
Dowrick averaged 19.6 disposals, 6.6 tackles and 6.3 clearances this season.
"I'd like to start off by thanking the Port Adelaide Football Club, the AFL and the AFLW for giving me the opportunity to play at the top level," Dowrick said in her acceptance speech.
"To the girls, thank you for making it a great season. Despite the results, I've had an absolute blast from start to finish.
"To my mum and dad, the biggest thank you for always believing in me and making the sacrifices for me to follow my dreams."
Scholz was named Port's Best First Year Player, Maria Moloney took home the Players' Player and Julia Teakle secured the Coaches' Award for most improved.
106 votes: Abbey Dowrick
93 votes: Gemma Houghton
84 votes: Matilda Scholz
82 votes: Erin Phillips
72 votes: Amelie Borg
63 votes: Ashleigh Saint
61 votes: Justine Mules
58 votes: Ebony O'Dea
56 votes: Ange Foley
53 votes: Cheyenne Hammond
Best First Year Player: Matilda Scholz
Coaches' Award (most improved): Julia Teakle
Players' Player: Maria Moloney
RICHMOND
MONIQUE Conti has backed up her AFLW best and fairest with her sixth consecutive club count.
Conti, just 23, has now won all five of Richmond's best and fairest awards, after saluting at the Western Bulldogs in 2019.
Like in the AFLW count, Conti polled 23 votes, winning ahead of fellow All-Australian Eilish Sheerin on 21.
Improved winger Kate Dempsey (20) finished third, with skipper Katie Brennan (18) and midfielder Grace Egan (16) rounding out the top five.
Half-back flanker Charli Wicksteed – who was signed as an injury-replacement player – was named best first-year, with Brennan topping the Tigers' goalkicking charts.
23 votes: Monique Conti
21 votes: Eilish Sheerin
20 votes: Kate Dempsey
18 votes: Katie Brennan
16 votes: Grace Egan
13 votes: Gabby Seymour
12 votes: Beth Lynch
10 votes: Caitlin Greiser, Laura McClelland
9 votes: Emelia Yassir, Katelyn Cox, Libby Graham, Bec Miller
Best first-year player: Charli Wicksteed
Leading goalkicker: Katie Brennan
ST KILDA
RECRUIT Jaimee Lambert has made a big impact in her first year at the club, winning the Saints' best and fairest.
It's her fourth club count medal, having previously taken out Collingwood's award in 2019, 2020 and 2022 (season six).
Tyanna Smith capped off her return from a torn ACL with a second-place finish, polling 56 votes to Lambert's 70.
It was a midfield-dominated top four, with Georgia Patrikios (48 votes) and Liv Vesely (39) finishing next in the count.
Smith also took out the 'Always a Saint' award for team values, Lambert won the fan vote and Ash Richards the best emerging player.
70 votes: Jaimee Lambert
56 votes: Tyanna Smith
48 votes: Georgia Patrikios
39 votes: Liv Vesely
35 votes: Jesse Wardlaw, Nat Exon
24 votes: Grace Kelly
23 votes: Hannah Priest
22 votes: Ash Richards
20 votes: Molly McDonald
Always a Saint award (club values): Tyanna Smith
Best emerging player: Ash Richards
Sainter of the year (fan vote): Jaimee Lambert
Bernadette Sierakowski allegiance award (staff award): Anthony Tang, list manager
SYDNEY
LAURA Gardiner has capped off a dominant first year at Sydney by winning the Swans' AFLW Club Champion award.
Gardiner polled 223 votes to finish well clear of Chloe Molloy (136) and Ally Morphett (87).
Having moved from Geelong on the off-season, Gardiner also earned her first All-Australian blazer this year and finished second in the AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year.
The midfielder also won the Players Player Award at the club's award night on Friday night.
1. Laura Gardiner (223)
2. Chloe Molloy (136)
3. Ally Morphett (87)
4. Sofia Hurley (84)
5. Lucy McEvoy (69)
6. Tanya Kennedy (67)
7. Brenna Tarrant (56)
8. Rebecca Privitelli (48)
9. Ella Heads (36)
10. Cynthia Hamilton (25)
Players Player Award: Laura Gardiner
AFLW Rising Star: Sofia Hurley
Best Club Person: Maddy Collier
AFLW Best Player in the Finals: Brenna Tarrant
WEST COAST
WEST Coast defender Charlie Thomas has been crowned as the Eagles' club champion in 2023 after emerging as one of the AFLW's gun half-backs this season.
In a season that saw the Eagles' young talent come to the fore, Thomas polled 52 votes to finish ahead of young star Ella Roberts (49) in just her second season.
Experienced Eagle Belinda Smith (48) rounded out the top three, with skipper Emma Swanson (44) and key defender Sophie McDonald (43) also recognised for strong campaigns.
Thomas was a defensive pillar in her third AFLW season, with her ability to intercept opposition entries and rebound with poise and skill a highlight.
Recruited with pick No.3 in the 2021 AFL Women's Draft, she led a young brigade through another difficult campaign for the club and ensured the Eagles' future talent was on display.
The 20-year-old from Subiaco in the WAFLW finished in the top five in the League for rebound 50s and was this week selected in the AFL Players' Association's 2023 AFLW 22Under22 squad.
Her win on Friday night ends star midfielder Swanson's recent grip on the award after claiming back-to-back best and fairests in two outstanding 2022 campaigns.
In other awards presented on the night, Belinda Smith was voted by her teammates as the Trademark Player, while Krstel Petrevski was named the Best Club Person.
Retiring Eagles Jess Sedunary and Isabella Simmons were also celebrated for their contributions after each calling time on their AFLW careers.
52 votes: Charlie Thomas
49 votes: Ella Roberts
48 votes: Belinda Smith
44 votes: Emma Swanson
43 votes: Sophie McDonald
31 votes: Kellie Gibson
30 votes: Dana Hooker
28 votes: Bella Lewis
27 votes: Aisling McCarthy
23 votes: Shanae Davison
Trademark Player: Belinda Smith
Best Club Person: Krstel Petrevski
WESTERN BULLDOGS
Ellie Blackburn has landed her fifth Western Bulldogs Best and Fairest award on Thursday evening, winning by a massive 39 votes.
Blackburn, who has finished either first or second in every Bulldogs count in history, finished with 97 of a possible 120 votes as the club's best performer in a tough year. The Dogs' captain averaged a career-best 26.8 disposals and 6.2 clearances as she worked hard at the coal face.
Midfielder-turned-defender Elisabeth Georgostathis was rewarded for a career-best season with second place, after excelling in a new role this year. Georgostathis found 17.2 disposals and 5.9 intercepts each week as a tough small defender.
Bulldogs stalwart Kirsty Lamb finished in third place, while also taking out the club's leading goalkicker award.
97 votes: Ellie Blackburn
58 votes: Elisabeth Georgostathis
51 votes: Kirsty Lamb
40 votes: Isabella Grant, Gabby Newton
Trainers' Award: Rylie Wilcox
Club Community Award: Isabella Grant
Domestique: Bailey Hunt
Best Young Player: Jess Fitzgerald
Most Improved: Elisabeth Georgostathis
Leading Goalkicker: Kirsty Lamb
