Maddi Gay's stellar first season in red and black has been rewarded with a place on the half back line in the 2024 AFLW All Australian team.
The 28-year-old enjoyed a career-best campaign after moving across to her childhood club of support, appearing in all 12 games as the side recorded its second consecutive appearance in the AFLW finals.
Although Gay's solid defensive traits were critical all season, her ability to generate attack from the last line made her a threat for opposition sides all year round - notable in her season average of over 450 metres gained per game, including a league-high 789 metres gained in the round two victory over the Eagles.
Gay averaged nearly 20 disposals and five marks per game this season, proving critical to the club's emerging defensive unit with her experience and natural leadership, traits that saw her named in the Bombers' leadership group within just a few months of being a part of the program.
As the season wore on, the importance of Gay became even more prevalent. Her 30-disposal effort against the Roos in round eight highlighted her ability to step up in big games against better opponents, again backed up in round 10 with a best-on-ground 33 disposals to consolidate the Dons' finals position in a win over the Blues.
Gay is the lone Bomber in this year's edition of the side, marking the first AA appearance of her career to date.
Teammate Georgia Nanscawen was named in the squad of 40, while first-year talent Amy Gaylor finished third in the Rising Star Award.
