Carlton star Darcy Vescio wins AFLW goalkicking award, named in All-Australian side

THE inaugural AFL Women’s season was like “entering the unknown”, according to Carlton star and All-Australian Darcy Vescio. SEE THE ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM

The first AFLW All-Australian team with captain Daisy Pearce (right). Picture: Ian Currie

THE inaugural AFL Women’s season was like “entering the unknown”, according to Carlton star Darcy Vescio.

Vescio, 23, was the only attendee at Tuesday night’s W Awards to arrive at the ceremony knowing she would be taking home an award, with her 14-goal haul making her the leading goalkicker for the season.

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The ceremony capped off an eight-week whirlwind for the Blues’ graphic designer.

“We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into and I think Round 1 (with a crowd of 24,000) made us aware that you can’t assume anything is going to happen,” Vescio said.

“It’s unreal.”

Vescio kicked four goals in Carlton’s opening-round win over Collingwood at Ikon Park, which eventually proved handy in helping her edge out Adelaide key forward Sarah Perkins, who ended the season with 11 majors.

Darcy Vescio kicked more goals than any other AFLW player. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

It was her first goal that night that sticks in her mind.

“I was thinking if I don’t get this, I could be in for a bad (night),” she said.

“I was very fortunate to get that one.”

The forward was further rewarded with All-Australian selection, alongside fellow Blues star Bri Davey, and also claimed mark of the year for her pack grab during the team’s six-point win over the Western Bulldogs.

Premiership outfit Adelaide had five players selected in the 16-player team, including star co-captain Erin Phillips, who also claimed goal of the year for her 60m final-quarter bomb against the Blues.

Phillips was also named vice-captain of the All-Australian outfit, while Melbourne star Daisy Pearce was named captain of the team.

“It’s a huge honour,” Pearce said.

The 2017 AFLW All-Australian team, led by captain Daisy Pearce (right). Picture: Ian Currie

“Just to be selected in this team in what has been such a great competition ... to be named captain is something I’m really proud of.

“We’ve all enjoyed every single minute of it and wish it was still going and look forward to next season.”

Grand finalist Brisbane - which lost just one game for the season, the grand final - boasted five selections including key forward Sabrina Frederick-Traub.

Kate McCarthy, who is believed to be the first person to play AFL with a pacemaker, was selected on the six-player interchange bench.

League chief executive Gillon McLachlan said all award winners last night will forever be etched into the history books as the first recognised in the inaugural year of the competition.

“Tonight we start a new tradition,” he said.

“It’s been groundbreaking.

AFLW 2017 ALL-AUSTRALIAN TEAM

B: Nicola Stevens (Coll) Courtney Cramey (Adel)

HB: Chelsea Randall (Adel) Bri Davey (Carl) Karen Paxman (Melb)

C: Elise O’Dea (Melb) Daisy Pearce (Melb, captain) Emma Kearney (WB)

HF: Erin Phillips (Adel) (VC) Sabrina Frederick-Traub (Bris) Ellie Blackburn (WB)

F: Darcy Vescio (Carl) Sarah Perkins (Adel)

Rucks: Emma King (Coll) Kara Donnellan (Frem) Emily Bates (Bris)

Interchange: Jess Dal Pos (GWS), Kate McCarthy (Bris), Ebony Marinoff (Adel), Tayla Harris (Bris), Melissa Hickey (Melb), Samantha Virgo (Bris)