YOUNG star Keeley Sherar has been crowned Carlton’s AFLW Best and Fairest for 2024, polling 109 votes.
Sherar had an outstanding season, making her presence known in all 11 matches by being named in the Blues’ best players in every game, including receiving the highest number of votes in five of those matches.
Producing multiple career best performances in 2024, Sherar collected 28 disposals against Port Adelaide and had six clearances against Fremantle. She also showcased a match-winning ability against the Dockers, where she was able to intercept the ball inside 50 and kick the sealer with less than a minute to go.
Strong at the contest, Sherar laid four or more tackles every game, ranking 11th in the competition for average tackles (7.3).
“Keeley has had an outstanding season: she was classy at stoppages, and quick thinking at ground level,” AFLW Senior Coach Mathew Buck said.
“Despite being just 21 years of age, Keeley has incredible maturity, practices elite standards and leads by example on and off the field.
“Keeley is a crucial part of our midfield: the way she can transition the ball out of the middle and deliver effectively into the forward line, as well as being strong through the stoppages is a true asset to the team.
“She is a player our members and supporters should be excited about in the next few seasons.”
First-time co-vice captain Abbie McKay placed second in Carlton’s count with 73 votes, demonstrating her consistency and reliability with a third consecutive podium finish.
McKay reached her 50th game in Round 8 against the Western Bulldogs, becoming the first father-daughter in the competition to reach the milestone.
Despite having an injury-interrupted season, the 24-year-old ranked fifth in the league for average clearances and fourth in contested possessions, proving her strong on-field presence for Carlton.
Jess Good, polling 63 votes, finished a close third in the count.
Good, playing in all 11 matches across the season, took on more of the ruck duties, enabling fellow self-proclaimed ‘Good Mood’ duo member Breann Moody to push into the forward line.
Strong in the air, standing at 190cm, Good handled some difficult opponents in the ruck expertly all season, placing eighth in the competition for average hitouts (23.6). She ended the season showcasing her dominance against Essendon, collecting 11 disposals to go with 40 hitouts.
Harriet Cordner’s consistent season, which saw her earn her second All-Australian squad nomination, was recognised with the 2024 Coaches' Award.
A formidable defender and a team-first player that ranked No.1 at the Blues for one percenters, Cordner was also the recipient of the Most Valuable Bluebagger award.
Meg Robertson showed poise and class in high-pressure situations beyond her years in what was her debut season, earning her the Rookie of the Year award.
Carlton President Luke Sayers congratulated all the award winners for their very deserving recognition.
“Congratulations to all our award winners tonight: there is some exceptional talent in this group as they emerge together in the coming years, it is going to make for a great journey for all Carlton people to be a part of,” Sayers said.
“It was a gruelling year and the entire program worked exceptionally hard, embracing the unknown nature of the season, from the condensed fixture to mid-week football.
“This season produced a variety of results. We saw many tight finishes, which highlighted the real grit and resilience of our playing group, a trait that does not go unnoticed.
“This group is sick of watching finals from the sidelines, though there is a reality of where we are at right now and where we aspire to be. We want to not only be playing in finals but making a true impact.
“We cannot wait to see what this group can produce in 2025.”
2024 Carlton AFLW awards
Winner: Keeley Sherar
Second place: Abbie McKay
Third place: Jess Good
Equal fourth place: Mimi Hill and Maddy Guerin
Most Valuable Bluebagger: Harriet Cordner
Coaches Award: Harriet Cordner
Rookie of the Year award: Meg Robertson
