westernbulldogs.com.au takes a look at the players likely to take out tonight’s AFLW Best and Fairest.
Ellie Blackburn
Co-captain Ellie Blackburn continued her impressive form throughout her third season in the red, white and blue.
Taking on the co-captaincy for AFLW 3.0, the 24-year-old led a formidable midfield group comprising Monique Conti, Kirsty Lamb and Aisling Utri.
Blackburn led the Dogs for metres gained (332 per game), score involvements (2.4 per game) and total inside-50s (20), while landing second in average disposals (17.3), contested possessions (9.7) and clearances (3.6).
Blackburn claimed the Bulldogs’ inaugural Best and Fairest in 2017, while placing second in the Club’s premiership year.
Monique Conti
Enjoying an outstanding 2019 season, Monique Conti has continued to grow and improve in her second year of AFLW football.
Receiving All-Australian honours and landing fourth in the AFLCA AFLW Champion of the Year leaderboard, the 19-year-old proved to be an integral member of the Bulldogs’ midfield and forward line throughout the season.
Conti led the Club’s average disposals (18), contested possessions (11.4) and clearances (4), while ending the season behind co-captain Ellie Blackburn for total inside-50s (16).
Conti claimed the Best Young Player award in 2018, while finishing eighth in the Club’s Best and Fairest award count with 95 votes.
Aisling Utri
In a breakout year for the cross-code hockey player, Aisling Utri solidified herself as a dominant member of the Bulldogs’ midfield and forward line.
Receiving a Mark of the Year nomination for her Round 6 performance against Melbourne, the 21-year-old landed second for the Club’s total marks (25), behind veteran defender Lauren Spark.
Booting four goals across the season, Utri proved vital within the forward line – contributing to 13 score involvements and 12 inside-50s.
Kirsty Lamb
In her third season with the Bulldogs, Kirsty Lamb continued her tough brand of football.
Entering the leadership group this year, Lamb was an integral member of the Club’s talented midfield – providing outstanding leadership and guidance on field to the side’s first-year players.
Leading the Bulldogs’ tackles (6.1 per game) and landing third for average contested possessions (7.3), clearances (3.1) and marks (3.4), the 24-year-old looks likely to finish within the top tier of the Club’s Best and Fairest Award count tonight.
