The Western Bulldogs will award the 2024 AFLW Best and Fairest on Wednesday 4 December at Crown Aviary. We’ve taken a look at the best contenders.
Isabelle Pritchard
There’s no denying the 22-year-old’s breakout 2024 campaign. Thrown into the number one inside mid role, Pritchard flourished at the coalface – averaging 19.2 disposals, 5.6 tackles and 5.2 clearances, while booting three goals. She polled the most votes by a Bulldog (10) at last week’s league awards, demonstrating her impact did not go unnoticed externally. Could the childhood Bulldogs supporter claim a maiden Best and Fairest medal?
Jess Fitzgerald
Another young midfielder who relished a number of roles this season, Fitzgerald has put together one of her most impactful seasons yet. Averaging 15.7 disposals, 4.5 tackles and 3.1 clearances, the 22-year-old played an important part in the Dogs’ campaign. Having been named last year’s Best Young Player, Fitzgerald is expected to poll well in the 2024 count.
Alice Edmonds
Edmonds averaged 30 hit-outs this season, demonstrating her ability to provide the midfielders with first-use. The 26-year-old played all 11 games, enjoying a particularly impressive outing (12 disposals, 29 hit-outs and six tackles) in the Week 4 win over Collingwood.
Dom Carruthers
Carruthers is another who relished playing more of an inside midfielder role this season, averaging 12.5 possessions and 6.3 tackles. She was among the best on ground against Carlton, registering a career-high 23 disposals and six marks, while finishing the season with a club-high 69 tackles overall. Expect the 29-year-old to poll well on Wednesday night as a result.
Elisabeth Georgostathis
Despite missing the mid-week Brisbane match, Georgostathis still put a strong season together. In her customary half-back role, the 23-year-old averaged 13.8 disposals, 3.8 tackles and 196.2 metres gained. She was the Best and Fairest runner-up in 2023 and could again find herself on the podium in 2024.
Honourable mentions
First-year skipper De Berry led by example in 2024, averaging 12.1 disposals and 3.2 clearances in forward/midfield mix. Rylie Wilcox could also potentially poll well, playing the crucial wing role effectively. Issy Grant was important in defence, particularly after losing Lauren Ahrens to injury, while Maggie Gorham also shone when thrown across half-back.
> VIEW ALL PAST BEST & FAIREST WINNERS
