Isabelle Pritchard has capped off a breakout 2024 campaign by claiming the Western Bulldogs AFLW Best and Fairest award.
It marks a maiden first-place finish for the 22-year-old midfielder, who led from start to finish at Crown Aviary on Wednesday night.
She polled 38 of a possible 55 votes to secure the win.
Pritchard enjoyed a career-best outing this season, averaging 19.9 disposals, 5.6 tackles and 5.2 clearances.
She finished seven votes clear of runner-up Rylie Wilcox (31), with Jess Fitzgerald close behind in third with 30 votes.
It’s an impressive rise for both Wilcox and Fitzgerald, who finished equal-10th and eighth respectively in last year’s count.
Wilcox also claimed the Club Community Award for her work with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, while Isabella Grant won the Anissa Groves Trainers’ Award.
Heidi Woodley was recognised as the Most Improved, while Elisabeth Georgostathis took home the Coaches’ Award.
Elaine Grigg was named Best Young Player, and Maggie Gorham was voted the Players’ Player.
Club Best and Fairest voting process: at the conclusion of each match, the coaching panel gave each player a rating from 1-5 based on their impact on the game. The maximum votes that a player can achieve for any game is five.
Top 5 – 2024 AFLW Western Bulldogs Best and Fairest
- Isabelle Pritchard (38 votes)
- Rylie Wilcox (31)
- Jess Fitzgerald (30)
- Elisabeth Georgostathis (29)
- Maggie Gorham (28)
Other awards
Anissa Groves Trainers’ Award – Isabella Grant
Club Community Award – Rylie Wilcox
Coaches’ Award – Elisabeth Georgostathis
Best Young Player – Elaine Grigg
Most Improved – Heidi Woodley
Players’ Player – Maggie Gorham
