By Laura Michell
Sunbury’s Madison Prespakis has capped off an incredible season by claiming the game’s highest individual honour, the AFLW’s Best and Fairest Award.
The 19-year-old, who last year was named the NAB ALFW Rising Star during her debut season, also claimed Carlton’s highest individual honour during a virtual best and fairest count last week.
In an incredible start to her career, Prespakis is now a dual club best and fairest, dual AFLW All Australian, NAB AFLW Rising Star, AFLPA and Carlton Best First Year Player, AFLPA MVP runner-up and AFLPA 22under22 vice-captain.
Prespakis began the Carlton best and fairest vote count with a best afield performance against Richmond in round one. She finished the season with 74 votes, ahead of teammates Chloe Dalton (56), Georgia Gee (43) and first-year players Grace Egan (41) and Lucy McEvoy (39). The midfielder was also awarded the Big Ant Fan award.
Prespakis, who played her junior football with Romsey Junior Football Club, the Sunbury Lions and Calder Cannons, was taken at pick three in the 2018 AFLW draft.
Carlton AFLW senior coach Daniel Harford said Prespakis had this year taken the extra attention from weekly taggers in her stride, averaging 21 disposals and four clearances a game. “For Maddy to be a dual best and fairest winner at 19 years of age is a remarkable achievement,” Harford said.
“She handles the attention she receives from the opposition every week with class and sets a great example for our entire playing group.
“She is going to be a fantastic player for the Carlton Football Club for a long time to come.”
