KAREN Paxman has topped off a stunning season, claiming Melbourne’s Best and Fairest Award on Saturday night.
Polling 40 votes across seven games, the midfielder finished ahead of ruck Lauren Pearce (32 votes) and forward Tegan Cunningham (30 votes) to take home the red and blue’s highest individual honour.
The modest 30-year-old said she was incredibly humbled by the recognition of her breakout season.
“I’m very proud, it’s very humbling,” Paxman told Melbourne Media.
“I think the award definitely could’ve been split a few different ways.
“It’s an awesome achievement I guess and a credit to the program and the coaches around me, and the environment I’m in allowing me to play good footy.”
Paxman averaged 21 disposals in her third season with the Demons, providing consistency and power through the centre of the ground.
But she said she couldn’t have achieved such great results without the support of her midfield group.
“We’ve got such a special, talented midfield group,” Paxman said
“It’s been a pleasure playing alongside all of those girls.”
Paxman’s dominance was recognised by the competition on Tuesday night, as she finished third in the AFLW Best and Fairest and was named in the All Australian side, alongside Pearce.
Paxman also received 32 votes to come fifth in the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, while edging out Elise O’Dea and Lily Mithen to be named Melbourne’s Best Midfielder.
Although Paxman’s individual accolades have been outstanding, she says the most important thing for her season has been the enjoyment factor within the club.
“I think the bond over the last three years has just grown immensely,” she said.
“There was a lot of talk about being vulnerable and being open with your teammates and building that connection.
“I think we’ve definitely done that this season.”
After finishing runner-up in the inaugural Best and Fairest and in third place last year to two-time winner Daisy Pearce, Paxman becomes the second player to hold the trophy for the club.
Held at the Ormond Collective, the event also celebrated the achievements of the playing group and acknowledged the most impressive individual performances.
Key tall Cunningham was awarded the Best Forward for her eight-goal season, while Meg Downie was deemed the best defender after playing an underrated role down back.
Hard-at-it midfielder Lily Mithen was recognised for her dedication towards Melbourne’s values, taking out the honour of the Trademark Player in her third season.
2019 Best and Fairest Leaderboard
1 – Karen Paxman (40 votes)
2 – Lauren Pearce (32 votes)
3 – Tegan Cunningham (30 votes)
4 – Elise O’Dea (29 votes)
5 – Aliesha Newman (27 votes)
6 – Maddi Gay (26 votes)
7 – Meg Downie (25 votes)
7 – Chantel Emonson (25 votes)
9 – Lily Mithen (24 votes)
10 – Kate Hore (23 votes)
2019 Award Winners
2019 Best and Fairest award: Karen Paxman
2019 Runner-up: Lauren Pearce
2019 Best Midfielder: Karen Paxman
2019 Best Defender: Meg Downie
