Western Bulldogs midfielder Emma Kearney has taken out the Club’s best and fairest award for the second year running.
Kearney polled in every game and ended the season on 121 votes, capping off a sensational season.
Fellow midfielder Ellie Blackburn, who shared the Best and Fairest last season, finished closely behind Kearney with 114 votes.
Inside midfielder Kirsty Lamb was third, polling 107 votes.
Undoubtedly one of the key midfielders in the AFLW competition this year, Kearney was also crowned the AFLW Best and Fairest player and was a member of the Virgin Australia AFLW All Australian Team at the W Awards.
The 28-year-old recorded league-highs for disposals (19) and metres gained (421) in 2018 and was number one in the competition for clearances (40).
At the end of Round 6, Blackburn and Kearney were tied on 86 votes each, however Kearney’s outstanding Round 7 game saw her take the lead by seven votes.
In a very close finish, Kearney and Blackburn each received 15 votes for their Grand Final performances.
Blackburn was fourth in the competition for clearances (26) in 2018, fifth for disposals (135), and kicked three goals.
Lamb, an integral part of the midfield this year, averaged 13 disposals per game and secured a season-high 16 votes for her performance against the Brisbane Lions in Round 2.
Other winners on the night included Brooke Lochland, who was named Most Improved Player, Monique Conti claimed Best Young Player, Kirsten McLeod won the Coaches Award and Ellie Blackburn picked up the Players Player award, which was voted on by the players.
AFLW Best and Fairest – top 10
- Emma Kearney - 121
- Ellie Blackburn - 114
- Kirsty Lamb - 107
- Lauren Spark - 106
- Libby Birch - 100
- Jenna Bruton – 98
- Brooke Lochland – 96
- Monique Conti – 95
- Hannah Scott – 91
- Angelica Gogos – 86
