Maddi Gay has claimed Essendon’s 2024 AFLW Best and Fairest, bringing a fitting close to a terrific first season in red and black. 

The 28-year-old took home the award in front of teammates, coaches, staff and fans in at Crown on Friday night, finishing in front of starring runner-up Georgia Nanscawen and breakout defender Georgia Clarke in third place.

Gay was a dominant force in defence all year and made instant impact in her move from the Demons this season, named in the leadership group and featuring in every game of a season for the first time in her career.

The All Australian half back averaged 20 disposals, five marks and a staggering 453 metres gained per game, all career-highs.

04:14

Year in Review | Maddi Gay

Essendon's Maddi Gay gives a detailed look into her thoughts on the season and the future development of the playing group.

Finding full fitness and leading the back six with aplomb, Gay becomes the third Bomber to win the club’s Best and Fairest following Maddy Prespakis and Bonnie Toogood’s successes in the last two seasons.

Runner-up Nanscawen was another Don who enjoyed a career year, with the 32-year-old named in the All Australian squad of 40 and finishing equal fourth in the league Best and Fairest count.

The on-baller averaged 23 touches and six tackles per game this year, with her grunt work at clearances a typical standout in her game. Nanscawen was also named the Players' Player, receiving the Fire on Ice award.

00:34

AFLW Rd 10 | Nifty Nanscawen flashes through in a second

Georgia Nanscawen somehow escapes traffic to sneak through a sizzling goal

In third place, Clarke skyrocketed up the leaderboard during the Bombers' midweek footy period where the 23-year-old really hit her stride.

A key pillar in defence, Clarke's 25-touch effort against the Dogs in week seven was a particular highlight from a breakthrough year for the youngster - her combativeness in the air and at ground level made her a challenging matchup for opposition forwards through the campaign.

02:12

AFLW Rd 5 | Clarke post-game

Hear from defender Georgia Clarke following Essendon's round five win to Melbourne.

Prespakis and young ruck Steph Wales rounded out the top five, while first-year Don Amy Gaylor was acknowledged with the Rising Star Award and finished seventh in the overall count after a terrific debut season.

Bess Keaney's positive impact in year one as a Don was felt immensely around the club, with the former SUN taking home Best Club Person and the Staff and Trainers' Awards on the night, finishing 10th in the count.

Reliable defender Alex Morcom was also recognised for her bravery both on and off-field, receiving Most Courageous Player honours whilst also securing a spot amongst the top 10.

With 10 goals for the season, powerful forward Daria Bannister finished as the side's leading goalkicker for 2024.

2024 Essendon AFLW Best and Fairest award winners

Best and Fairest - Maddi Gay
Runner up - Georgia Nanscawen
Third place - Georgia Clarke
Players' Player (Fire on Ice) - Georgia Nanscawen
Rising Star - Amy Gaylor
Leading Goalkicker - Daria Bannister
Most Courageous - Alex Morcom
Best Club Person - Bess Keaney
Staff & Trainers Award - Bess Keaney

Final top 10 leaderboard

1 - Maddi Gay (151 votes)
2 - Georgia Nanscawen (147 votes)
3 - Georgia Clarke (128 votes)
=4 - Maddy Prespakis (121 votes)
=4 - Steph Wales (121 votes)
6 - Steph Cain (119 votes)
7 - Amy Gaylor (118 votes)
8 - Daria Bannister (110 votes)
9 - Alex Morcom (106 votes)
10 - Bess Keaney (105 votes)