By Jon Pierik
Collingwood co-captain Brianna Davey has capped off a superb AFLW season, claiming the Magpies’ best-and-fairest award on Friday night.
And at Carlton, Darcy Vescio, who topped the AFLW goalkicking this year with a record 16 goals and earned selection in the All-Australian team, won the club best and fairest.
Days after sharing the league’s best-and-fairest award with Fremantle star Kiara Bowers, Davey had more reason to celebrate, polling 158 votes at the Magpies’ count, well ahead of defender and fellow All Australian Ruby Schleicher (93) and midfielder Brittany Bonnici (91).
Brianna Davey has had a superb season in black and white.Credit: Getty Images
Davey had a season to remember, for she was also voted the AFLW Players’ Most Valuable Player and was named All-Australian captain.
Magpies coach Steve Symonds praised Davey for a stellar campaign.
“Bri is one of the league’s most consistent and talented performers,” Symonds said.
“Bri has had an outstanding season and has been a significant contributor to the program’s improvement both on and off the field. It is fantastic to see her recognised for her hard work, determination and playing brilliance in a career-best season.”
Davey led the league for most disposals averaged (23.8) and finished in the top 10 for metres gained, contested possessions, clearances, marks, tackles, score involvements and inside 50s.
The former Carlton captain was such a consistent performer that she polled in all 11 matches, including finals.
“Her ability to stand up in the big moments in games is a consistent characteristic. It is the reason she is so highly respected at the club and across the wider football community,” Symonds said.
Chloe Molloy (16 goals) was the Magpies’ leading goalkicker, while AFLW rising star nominee Tarni Brown was named best first-year player.
Vescio won Carlton’s award with 66 votes, ahead of fellow forward Nicola Stevens (53) and co-captain Kerryn Harrington (49).
Having played in every Carlton game since the AFLW started, Vescio kicked multiple goals in five of her last six games, including five goals against Gold Coast in round eight.
“Darcy has pulled on the No. 3 guernsey with pride and determination, and each week she gives her absolute best,” coach Daniel Harford said.
CARLTON BEST AND FAIREST
Darcy Vescio 66
Nicola Stevens 53
Kerryn Harrington 49
Madison Prespakis 38
Georgia Gee 34
Grace Egan 34
Gabriella Pound 31
Breann Moody 29
Jess Hosking 27
Elise O’Dea 26
Best first-year player: Mimi Hill
COLLINGWOOD BEST AND FAIREST
Brianna Davey 158
Ruby Schleicher 93
Brittany Bonnici 91
Jaimee Lambert 77
Stacey Livingstone 48
Chloe Molloy 47
Sharni Norder 24
Aishling Sheridan 23
Tarni Brown 21
Lauren Butler 16
Best first-year player: Tarni Brown