Essendon star Madison Prespakis has been crowned the club’s inaugural AFLW Best and Fairest player.
The 22-year-old had a stellar debut season in the red and black, finishing with 98 votes, ahead of co-captains Bonnie Toogood (71) and Steph Cain (57).
Prespakis played all 10 games, averaging 24 disposals, 12 kicks and six goals, including a career-high 37 disposals against Geelong in round seven.
The award caps off a fantastic year for Prespakis, who was also named in the 2022 Season Seven All Australian team, the third time she’s been selected in the side.
Bombers’ co-captain Toogood placed second in the count, averaging 13 disposals, eight kicks per game, and seven goals for the season.
Toogood made the move to the Bombers from the Western Bulldogs ahead of season seven and quickly made an impact on the club on and off the field.
Her fellow teammates recognised her influence as she was voted the Player Values Award as someone who lives the team values.
Toogood was also named the Best Club Person, voted on by senior staff members, and awarded to a player who embodies the club and has the greatest overall impact throughout the year.
As a forward, Toogood had a physical presence around the ground, regularly taking strong contested marks while also moving up the ground to set up her teammates to hit the scoreboard.
Finishing in third was fellow co-captain Cain, whose speed and endurance were vital to the Bombers’ attack and defence.
Like Prespakis and Toogood, Cain also played all 10 games in season seven, leading from the front with her tough tackles and driving speed on the wing.
Daria Bannister took home two honours, including the Leading Goalkicker award for her eight majors. She was named the Most Courageous Player as someone who always puts others before themselves and displays personal courage on and off the field.
Bannister also capped off her impressive year finishing fourth in the best and fairest count.
Stephanie Wales claimed the Rising Star Award for her fantastic debut season in the ruck, while Federica Frew was awarded the Staff and Trainers Award for showing respect and genuine care to all individuals in the program.
Senior coach Natalie Wood said the Bombers are focused heading into season eight.
“This year was a season of firsts, and we are all proud to represent the Essendon Football Club in this momentous year,” Wood said.
“The players have embodied what it means to be an Essendon footballer and are building a culture that will be a foundation for years to come.
“We will use the experiences from this year to further ignite our focus to improve and build deeper connections so we can create a high-performing environment where we challenge and push one another.
“Melbourne and Brisbane showed yesterday that they are the benchmark of the competition, and we are committed to working hard to compete with the best.”
Head of AFLW Aysha Ward said the club’s first year in the competition is a strong base for long-term success.
“Tonight was a fantastic opportunity to celebrate our players, staff and supporters while reflecting on the historic year that was our inaugural season,” Ward said.
“It has been an incredible year for our AFLW program. We have built fantastic foundations that will set us up for future success.
“The dedication and commitment that our playing list and staff have shown has been exceptional. We look forward to continuing this momentum and building for a successful 2023.”
Essendon’s Top-10
- Madison Prespakis (98 votes)
- Bonnie Toogood (71 votes)
- Steph Cain (57 votes)
- Daria Bannister (49 votes)
- Jacqui Vogt (37 votes)
- Catherine Phillips (34 votes)
- Stephanie Wales (33 votes)
- Georgia Gee (29 votes)
- Sophie Van De Heuvel (25 votes)
- Paige Scott (24 votes)
Awards
Best and Fairest: Madison Prespakis
Runner Up: Bonnie Toogood
Third Place: Steph Cain
Leading Goalkicker: Daria Bannister
Rising Star Award: Stephanie Wales
Staff and Trainers Award: Federica Frew
Player Values Award: Bonnie Toogood
Best Club Person: Bonnie Toogood
Most Courageous Player: Daria Bannister
