Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner among leading AFLW Best & Fairest Trophy contenders
They steal “votes off each other”, have scooped up the individual awards already but North Melbourne stars Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner are chasing a first AFLW league best-and-fairest for the Roos. Here’s how they could be separated.
They’re used to “stealing votes off each other”, but could the game’s most prestigious award finally make its way to one of North Melbourne’s star midfield duo?
Ash Riddell has already won the AFL Coaches’ Association champion player gong and Jasmine Garner could be recognised by her peers with a third AFLPA MVP award on Tuesday.
But at Monday’s W Awards, all eyes will be on the umpires to see how they delegate their votes across the competition’s most dominant team.
The whistle-blowers have long favoured Riddell over her captain however, given North Melbourne’s incredible unbeaten season, one of the superstar duo could be poised to claim a maiden league best and fairest.
The other key contenders are set to be Geelong’s Georgie Prespakis, West Coast’s Ella Roberts, reigning winner Ebony Marinoff and Melbourne captain Kate Hore.
“Either (Riddell or Garner) would be really worthy winners,” North Melbourne coach Darren Crocker said after the preliminary final win.
“Both have had outstanding seasons. Both live the mantra that we have as a footy club, which is coming in to get better every day.
“They set an amazing example, don’t they, as individuals and players, and I think either would be very deserving.”
The coach said Garner’s ankle injury, which only ended up sidelining her for one game, could prove the difference.
“Obviously, Jas (Garner) missed a couple of games … so whether that costs her, but Ash (Riddell) has also had an outstanding year,” Crocker said.
“It would be pleasing for either of them, but you know what – they wouldn’t even be too concerned about that.
“They know that we’ve got a job to do next week, and that’s what they will be focusing on.”
Riddell said she had “no expectations” going into the night after a superb season where she averaged 35 disposals per game and kicked a career-high six goals.
“No, (I haven’t thought about it) at all. We just wanted to tick off this game,” Riddell said.
“I’m lucky enough to be surrounded by some really good players at North Melbourne.
“I think we’ll all be stealing votes off each other as per normal – no expectations going into the night.
“It’ll be nice to go there with the girls and have some waters, just sit back and relax.”
North Melbourne was unsurprisingly the most represented club with six players in the All-Australian squad of 42, with the final team to be named during Monday night’s awards.
Former Roos captain Emma Kearney is in contention for a record ninth All-Australian blazer as Garner and reigning best and fairest Ebony Marinoff appear destined to make the side for an eighth time.
The Rising Star award will also be presented, with silky-skilled Sydney defender Zippy Fish the hot favourite as well as being in the frame to make the All-Australian side in her first season.
Carlton key position revelation Poppy Scholz is also an outside chance to follow her older sister, Port Adelaide’s Matilda, and claim the Rising Star.
Originally published as Ash Riddell and Jasmine Garner among leading AFLW Best & Fairest Trophy contenders
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