MELBOURNE'S seventh AFLW season finished with the ultimate prize, a maiden premiership.
Now the club will have the opportunity to celebrate its history-making season at this weekend's AFLW Best and Fairest.
The event will recognise the top performers across Melbourne's premiership campaign as well the newly named Demon Spirit Award, which celebrates a player who has embodied the club's values.
Ahead of the night, we take a look at the top contenders to take out the club's highest honour...
Olivia Purcell
A career-best season from Purcell culminated in her first premiership, a second All-Australian guernsey and a top-five finish in the league best and fairest count.
The competitive midfielder ranked among the best in the league for average metres gained (290.6) and average disposals (22.7).
Eliza West
After a stellar first season at the beginning of the year, West turned her game up a gear becoming a key member of Melbourne’s elite midfield, leading the team for clearances and contested possessions.
The powerful ball-winner displayed her talent on the biggest stage of the season with a standout performance during Melbourne’s maiden AFLW premiership where she polled the second highest number of best-on-ground votes.
Tyla Hanks
Season seven saw Hanks produce yet another exceptional individual campaign. Her clean skills and attack at the contest were unmatched, leading the team for tackles.
She proved crucial during Melbourne’s finals campaign and played an instrumental role in the club’s inaugural AFLW premiership with 14 disposals and four tackles during the NAB AFLW Grand Final.
Karen Paxman
Paxman was once again a consistent contributor in her seventh season. She took on roles in the midfield, along the wing and up forward, with an unwavering tenacity shown in every area of her game.
Her season ended with recognition in the All-Australian squad and the ultimate success – a premiership.
Libby Birch
A stalwart defender of the Demons since 2020, Birch continued her ruthless ways in Melbourne’s backline during season seven.
She successfully took on the task of shutting down the league’s best key forwards and with that, ranked in the top ten for intercept possessions. Her leadership was key in 2022, as she guided the backline to a premiership-winning performance in the NAB AFLW Grand Final.
Kate Hore
Hore’s sixth season at the top level marked her first as the club’s vice-captain. She thrived with the added responsibility, leading the league for score involvements and kicking the second most goals per game.
Her versatility was pivotal across the year, in particular during the NAB AFLW Grand Final where she registered 11 disposals and eight tackles. Hore's career-best season finished with her becoming a two-time All Australian and premiership player.
Tayla Harris
In her second season at the Dees, Harris’ star power was seen across the ground, excelling not only in the forward line but through the ruck.
Her fearless on-field nature was valued among the team, with her skills also as reliable as ever. Harris proved herself as the ultimate teammate, placing among the best in the league for score involvements. At the end of the season she was recognised in the All-Australian squad and celebrated the club's first AFLW premiership.
