Essendon duo Georgia Nanscawen and Maddi Gay have been named in the 2024 AFLW All Australian squad of 42.

The experienced pair have been crucial in the Bombers’ improvement across the park this year, with Gay’s composure off half back and Nanscawen’s sheer tenacity two of the major standouts from this season.

Essendon’s inaugural player signing from their first AFLW season, Nanscawen has rebounded from an ACL tear back in 2022 to feature in all 23 possible games over the last two seasons.

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After finishing fourth in the club’s Best and Fairest in 2023, Nanscawen’s elevated her game once again this year, with the All Australian squad selection proof of her standing in the competition as an inside midfielder.

The 32-year-old averaged 23 disposals, six clearances and six tackles per game this season, with her relentless attack at the contest one of the key components of Essendon’s midfield performance through the campaign.

The former Kangaroo and Olympic Hockeyroo recorded a career-high 29 disposals in the Bombers’ round seven win over the Dogs at Whitten Oval, one of the best performances in a year where she accumulated at least 20 disposals in 11 of a possible 12 matches. Nanscawen also finished as one of the side’s best in their Elimination Final defeat to Fremantle.

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In the case of new recruit Gay, she couldn’t have asked for a much better first season in red and black.

The former Demon has excelled in defence all year, providing the Bombers welcome assurance as an intercepting presence – Gay’s averaged a career-best 20 disposals, five marks and 453 metres gained per game this season.

Among Gay’s season highlights was a stellar outing against the Eagles in round two, where the 28-year-old recorded a staggering 789 metres gained, the second highest tally in AFLW history.

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Featuring in every game as the club pushed into finals, Gay’s standing within the club was also recognised at the start of the season with an elevation into the leadership group, marking an impressive start to life at the NEC Hangar.

A respected teammate and general in the back six, Gay’s outstanding form helped set the tone for the club’s surge up the ladder in the back half of the year.

This marks the first All Australian squad selection for both players, with the final team to be announced at the W Awards following the conclusion of the 2024 Finals Series.