A SECOND first-place finish in the books.

Brea Moody claimed her second Carlton Best and Fairest in 2023 after an outstanding season across the ruck and forward line.

The ever-humble 26-year-old was surprised when her name was called out - although it wasn’t a surprise to the rest of the room - noting that she never expected to have her name read out once, let alone twice.

“When I won it in 2018, I thought it was a fluke. To be up there alongside 'Loynes' [Katie Loynes], someone I admired at the time and a great leader of the Club, I thought that was unreal,” Moody said. 

“To be up there again tonight - this time by myself - it was very unexpected but something that’s very honouring: I can’t believe it.”

A two-time All-Australian ruck, Moody has had a mountain of development over her eight seasons in the AFLW, but her move to the forward line was another big step for her this year.

Slotting six goals but also averaging 20 hitouts, Moody’s experience around the ground held her in good stead. 

Moody was thankful to have the experience of Darcy Vescio alongside her, but also had the pleasure of seeing young players like Mia Austin develop before her eyes.

“‘Darce’ is awesome, they’ve been a huge role model for me. Their leadership on and off the field is something that I admire and look up to,” she said. 

“Mia Austin – she’s so raw, the way she goes about her footy is awesome to watch. She works so hard and that motivates me and inspires everyone on the team.”

It’s no surprise the top three of the best-and-fairest count came from the midfield group, with Abbie McKay and Mimi Hill finishing second and third respectively.

The midfield line was one of Carlton’s strongest areas this season, with the likes of Keeley Sherar and Jess Good stepping up alongside the experienced McKay and Moody.

“‘Mim’, ‘Abs’ and myself, we’ve had a few years in there now and each year we continue to grow, we can read each other a bit better and I look forward to that growing even further,” she said. 

“I know as a collective we’ve got more to go, but to have a better structure in place, a better game plan, I can’t wait to see what the future holds. 

“I absolutely love working alongside ‘Goodie’ on and off the field. She’s a great leader - she doesn’t need a title to lead - she’s confident within herself and knows that she’s still learning the game herself but is confident to help others on their journey as well.”

An inaugural Game Changer, Moody was full of praise for the Club that has allowed her to develop her game to where it is now.

Stepping up as an emerging leader, Moody is dedicated to making IKON Park a better place to be, on and off the field. 

“I’ve grown a lot: I think in size, in maturity, knowledge of the game, I’ve grown in many ways and I’m so thankful for the Club to give me the opportunities I’ve had that have enabled me to grow,” she said. 

“The hard work has paid off but it’s also motivating me to keep putting in the hard yards and I know I’ve got more to come.”