Isabel Huntington has capped off an incredible week by claiming her first Western Bulldogs AFLW Best and Fairest award.
On Monday, the 21-year-old was named in the AFLW All-Australian team. The next night, she was crowned the competition’s Rising Star, becoming the first ever Bulldogs player (male or female) to achieve that feat.
And on Thursday night, as part of a special virtual Best and Fairest presentation event, she narrowly pipped skipper Ellie Blackburn to take out the Club champion award.
Huntington finished on 44 votes, three clear of Blackburn, with the vastly-improved Kirsten McLeod claiming third place on 30 votes.
Second-year Irishwoman Aisling McCarthy finished fourth (27 votes), followed by youngster Elizabeth Georgostathis (24 votes), who stormed home to claim fifth.
With Huntington and Blackburn tied on 32 votes after Round 5, it all came down the final game. Both performed admirably against Fremantle, but it was Huntington who snuck home in the end.
“I wouldn’t have even thought about this or expected this whatsoever going into the season,” Huntington said.
“I honestly just wanted to get out there and play one game, and get my body right. I’ve absolutely loved every single minute out on the field.
“Playing for this club is such an honour, and being able to run out there with my team-mates is absolutely unbelievable.
“I’m so incredibly proud to play for the Western Bulldogs. I can’t wait to see what we can do in the future.”
Huntington played five of the Bulldogs’ six games in the shortened 2020 season, ranking equal-first for contested marks and second for intercept possessions across the competition.
Blackburn, a joint winner of the Bulldogs’ Best and Fairest in 2017, averaged 17 disposals and a career-best four tackles per match.
McLeod had her most successful season in the AFLW competition to date, kicking five goals from six matches and averaging seven disposals per game as a small forward.
2020 AFLW Best and Fairest: Top 10
- Isabel Huntington – 44 votes
- Ellie Blackburn - 41
- Kirsten McLeod - 30
- Aisling McCarthy - 27
- Elizabeth Georgostathis - 24
- Kirsty Lamb - 23
- Gabby Newton - 22
- Kim Rennie - 22
- Bailey Hunt - 21
- Bonnie Toogood - 17
Other award winners:
Best First Year Player: Gabby Newton
Coaches Award: Bonnie Toogood
Most Improved: Kirsten McLeod
Players’ Player: Bailey Hunt and Isabel Huntington
Community Award: Lauren Spark
Trainers Award: Kirsty Lamb
