Tara Murray
It was no surprise to most that Maddy Prespakis was crowned Essendon’s inaugural AFLW best and fairest winner on Monday night.
The 22-year-old had a stellar debut season in the red and black, finishing with 98 votes, ahead of co-captains Bonnie Toogood (71) and Steph Cain (57).
Prespakis played all 10 games, averaging 24 disposals, 12 kicks and six goals, including a career-high 37 disposals against Geelong in round seven.
The award caps off a fantastic year for Prespakis, who was also named in the All Australian team, the third time she’s been selected in the side.
She also finished fourth in the league best and fairest and fourth in the AFLW coaches award.
Speaking after being presented the club best and fairest award, Prespakis was pretty emotional. She was quick to share the glory with her teammates.
“Obviously very humbled and proud to win this medal,” she said. “It’s been mentioned that Essendon was my childhood club so to tick the box to be an AFLW player at the club you barrack for is pretty special.
“I’m lost for words, it’s not something that I really play footy for. You play as you want to play with 33 other girls, something I always do throughout my career.”
Prespakis, who won three club best and fairests and a league best and fairest at Carlton, said she didn’t think she had a phenomenal season by any means.
The Sunbury Lions and Romsey junior admits that the decision to move from the Blues to the Bombers had been something she had to do for herself.
“I wanted to wear the sash with pride to play at the footy club I always wanted to play at since I was at Auskick as a four-year-old,” she said.
“I think it’s made me a better person on and off the field, I’ve had to grow up a little more off the field, things have had to work on off the field to make me better on the field, able to tick some of those boxes.”
Bombers’ co-captain Toogood placed second in the count, averaging 13 disposals, eight kicks
per game, and seven goals for the season.
Her fellow teammates recognised her influence as she was voted the player values award as someone who lives the team values, while she was also voted best club person.
Finishing in third was fellow co-captain Cain, whose speed and endurance were vital to the Bombers’ attack and defence.
Cain played all 10 games in season seven, leading from the front with her tough tackles and driving speed on the wing.
Daria Bannister took home two honours, the leading goalkicker award and the most courageous player award.
Stephanie Wales claimed the rising star award for her fantastic debut season in the ruck, while Federica Frew was awarded the staff and trainers award.
Tara Murray
