Western Bulldogs leader Ellie Blackburn has been named the AFLW’s Best Captain, as announced by the AFL Players’ Association on Wednesday night.
It is first-time honours for the 26-year-old, who took the reins as standalone skipper last season after sharing the responsibility in seasons prior.
The star midfielder managed every game this year, averaging 19.6 disposals, 5.3 tackles and 3.2 clearances.
She also contributed with five goals in her first four games.
It is yet another post-season accolade for Blackburn in 2021, who was selected in AFL Media’s Team of the Year and named in the AFLW All Australian squad of 40.
She also finished third in the AFLW Most Valuable Player count.
The Best Captain Award is one of four player-voted honours handed out by the AFLPA.
Voting was a two-stage process, with players nominating their teammates in stage one, before selecting from a competition-wide field in stage two.
Best Captain
Ellie Blackburn, Western Bulldogs – 86 votes
Daisy Pearce, Melbourne – 62
Brianna Davey, Collingwood – 44
AFLW Players’ Most Valuable Player
Brianna Davey, Collingwood – 319
Kiara Bowers, Fremantle – 313
Ellie Blackburn, Western Bulldogs – 214
Most Courageous
Chelsea Randall, Adelaide – 117
Kirsty Lamb, Western Bulldogs – 69
Nicola Stevens, Carlton – 27
Best First-Year Player Award
Ellie McKenzie, Richmond – 137
Jess Fitzgerald, Western Bulldogs – 63
Courtney Hodder, Brisbane – 56
