IN A FASHION like never before, Melbourne’s AFLW Best and Fairest winner will be crowned this Friday night.
The girls will be dressing up and jumping on their laptops to celebrate the successes of 2020 and enjoy the vote count from the comfort of their homes.
While an event via Zoom isn’t ideal, this remains a great opportunity for the club to celebrate a breakthrough season and recognise some outstanding individual efforts.
So, will Karen Paxman go back-to-back, will Daisy Pearce claim trophy number three, or will a new winner have their name etched into Melbourne Football Club history?
Karen Paxman
It’s hard to go past the club’s 2019 winner.
Paxman, who received her fourth All Australian selection from as many seasons on Monday night, averaged 21 disposals in the midfield and led the competition in clearances.
She’d be starting favourite.
Libby Birch
A new face didn’t take long to feel at home in the red and blue.
After making the move from the Dogs, Libby Birch was Melbourne’s best defender in 2020 and will feature heavily in the count after earning a maiden All Australian call up.
Kate Hore
It’s been a big week for Kate Hore already.
Goal of the Year winner on Sunday, All Australian nod on Monday – could a Best and Fairest trophy cap it off?
After averaging 13 disposals and slotting five majors, she's certainly not without a chance.
Daisy Pearce
The skipper’s comeback was seamless after giving birth to twins.
Daisy Pearce has been named the league’s best captain for the year, and after finding her feet in a role at half-back, she's in the running to be Melbourne’s best player as well.
Shelley Scott
Some players don’t seem to receive the credit they deserve externally – Shelley Scott is one of them.
She reinvented herself as a lead up forward in 2020 and is as good a team player as a coach could ask for.
The former co-captain was pivotal in a number of her side's wins and could be a contender in a tight count.
Eden Zanker
Eden Zanker has improved in each of her three AFLW campaigns.
She was a top draft pick for a reason and took her game to another level as a back-up ruck this year.
Tyla Hanks
It’s hard not to be impressed by this 20-year-old.
Tyla Hanks played extended midfield minutes in her second season at the level, and although she’s still learning, she’s fast becoming the club’s most damaging footballer.
She might not claim the top prize this year, but it won’t be long until she does.
Harriet Cordner
Harriet Cordner had a last-minute role change on the eve of the season, taking on ruck duties for the injured Lauren Pearce.
She didn’t take a backwards step in the centre of the ground, combining with Zanker to feed Melbourne’s on-ballers.
