The first of our AFLW season reviews focuses on Bonnie Toogood, who starred for the Bombers in 2023.

Bonnie Toogood

Avgs: 19 disposals, six marks, five tackles
11 games, 16 goals

Bonnie Toogood exploded in her second season as Essendon Co-Captain.

The 25-year-old recorded career-highs in disposals, marks, tackles and goals in 2023, indicative of her immense improvement across the board.

Toogood’s 23-disposal, two-goal opening round against the Hawks was a sign of things to come for the key forward, grabbing at least 20 touches in five different games throughout the season.

Reaching the career 50-game milestone in round three, Toogood marked the occasion with an impressive two-goal effort against a strong Adelaide opponent.

A focal point in the Bombers’ forward line, Toogood hit the scoreboard in 10 of her 11 games in 2023, including a season-high haul of three in Essendon’s round five clash with Collingwood.

Established as a big-game player, Toogood's 20-disposal, two-goal outing against the Blues in round nine was key in securing the Bombers' inaugural finals campaign for the AFLW competition.

Still yet to miss a game in the red and black, Toogood’s presence has been a constant for the Bombers, leading the side strongly in its elimination final loss against the Cats.

Toogood was rewarded for her breakthrough season with 16 AFLW best and fairest votes, including a maiden All Australian blazer as Vice-Captain of the side.

The runner-up in 2022's club best and fairest, Toogood went one better to claim top honours this season, edging out runner-up Maddy Prespakis and third-place Stephanie Wales.

An experienced leader and professional, Toogood will be an integral presence for the Bombers' emerging list in 2024.