WITH ONLY a point separating first and second place, Breann Moody has become a dual Carlton AFLW Best and Fairest winner after her standout performance in 2023.
Polling in all 10 games this season, finishing on 80 votes, Moody built tremendous four-quarter consistency throughout the season.
Her talent was on full display in Round 3 against the West Coast Eagles, where she scored two goals, amassed 16 disposals and had 24 hitouts, rightfully placing her among Carlton’s best.
Spending more time up forward this season, Moody developed her game as a reliable option inside 50 and continues to be a much-loved member of the team.
Abbie McKay, finishing a close second at 79 votes, has backed up her impressive year in 2022 with another great season, earning her second-place recognition.
McKay remained dominant throughout the midfield, battling hard against some elite players with her explosive speed out of stoppages.
She played a pivotal role in the Blues’ last match against the Saints, with 12 clearances and laying seven tackles, all while collecting 25 disposals.
A part of the leadership group this year, McKay has also been recognised for her commitment to living out Carlton’s values both on and off the field with the Most Valuable Bluebagger award.
A close call this year, with only one point also separating third and fourth position, Mimi Hill’s consistent effort earned her the third-place position.
The stand-in sole captain in Round 9 and 10, at just 21-years of age Hill helped guide the side in the back end of the season.
Featuring in all 10 games this season, Hill had a dominant performance in the team’s Round 2 match, collecting 31 disposals, six clearances and laying five tackles.
Hill is the first Carlton AFLW player to achieve three consecutive podium finishes.
In her first season at both the Blues and in the AFLW, Erone Fitzpatrick has been awarded with the Rookie of the Year award.
Hailing from Ireland, Fitzpatrick made her debut in Round 1 against the Gold Coast Suns and quickly became a fan favourite, playing every game in her debut season.
Off the back of a breakout year, which included a maiden All-Australian nomination, quiet achiever Keeley Sherar took out the Coaches Award for her impressive on-field display.
Carlton AFLW Senior Coach Mathew Buck said it's important to acknowledge each players’ contribution to the program.
“We have been pushing our players to consistently live out high-performance behaviours and the award winners have truly taken these behaviours on board,” Buck said.
“Brea is very deserving of becoming a dual Best and Fairest winner at the Carlton Football Club. She has been a great leader this season and is key part of our side’s makeup.
“Abbie and Mimi are such a fun duo to watch. They are good friends away from football which I think shows in their on-field connection. They have both had a stellar season which is testament to their work ethic and commitment to our program.
“Keeley and Erone have both fully embraced the environment we have looked to create. I have been really impressed with how they have held their own in the side and never left anything to chance, to have players who are still emerging yet willing to drive such high standards has been so valuable for our program.
“I always mention that we want to be a contested side and Keeley has a relentless attack on the ball in the contest and really lives out that principal.
“The Club congratulates each award winner on their efforts throughout the year and express our gratefulness for the commitment each player involved in our program has shown.”
2023 Carlton AFLW awards
Winner: Breann Moody
Second place: Abbie McKay
Third place: Mimi Hill
Fourth place: Keeley Sherar
Fifth place: Gab Pound
Rookie of the Year award: Erone Fitzpatrick
Most Valuable Bluebagger: Abbie McKay
Coaches Award: Keeley Sherar
