THE stage is set for Carlton’s 2020 AFLW Best and Fairest.

While it will be taking on a different form due to the current restrictions in place amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the Blues are still intent on recognising the hard work of the Game Changers after a sensational season.

There are four other awards to be decided on the night, with the Hyundai Rising Star, Big Ant Fan Award, MC Labour Blue Bloods and the Visy Best First Year Player all to be crowned alongside the 2020 AFLW Best and Fairest winner.

The event will take place online with fans able to follow along with live coverage via the Club’s Twitter and Instagram. 

Four coaches (senior coach and three line coaches) have the opportunity to vote for as many players as they feel warrant a vote for each game on the following scale:

4 votes – outstanding performance

3 votes – excellent performance

2 votes – above expectation performance

1 vote – expected performance (trademark game) 
 

A player, therefore, can receive a maximum of four votes from four coaches giving a maximum of 16 possible votes.

Ahead of the count, we break down the players who performed the best in each round of the season and will potentially be recognised by the coaches for their efforts.

Round 1 v. Richmond:

Rivalry reimagined. The Blues took on the Tigers under the Friday night lights at Ikon Park and left the opposition licking their wounds after a dominant 34-point victory. Maddy Prespakis looked as though she was ready to pick off exactly where she had left off, with the 2019 NAB AFLW Rising Star collecting 21 disposals and four clearances.

Co-captain Katie Loynes also played her role with 13 disposals, six tackles and 250m gained, while first-gamer Lucy McEvoy showed signs of things to come with a NAB AFL Rising Star nomination.

Round 2 v Collingwood:

While the Blues couldn’t muster a win against the Pies, Grace Egan demonstrated exactly why the Club was so keen to get her through the door during the 2019 NAB AFLW Draft.

The youngster collected 18 disposals, laid 11 tackles and had four inside 50s. Despite a heavy tag, Maddy Prespakis finished with 17 disposals of her own,while Lauren Brazzale’s running goal through the middle of the ground gave the crowd something to cheer about.

This would be the only game that Carlton would lose during the season. 

Round 3 v Western Bulldogs:

A third quarter blitz saw the Blues return to the winners’ list in the third annual Pride Game against the Bulldogs at Whitten Oval. Georgia Gee exploded with three goals and six tackles in a season-defining performance, while Tayla Harris put the criticisms of the week before behind her to kick an important goal and have an influential performance around the ground.

Youngster Lucy McEvoy had a breakout performance with 19 disposals, six clearances and her first AFLW goal.
 

Round 4 v Adelaide:

The 2019 Grand Final rematch was one that the girls had marked on their calendars from the start of the year. It was the backline that helped the Blues get over the line, with co-captain Kerryn Harrington dominant in defence. Harrington would finish with 17 disposals and 13 marks, while Charlotte Wilson followed suit with 19 disposals and nine marks.

At the other end of the ground, Tayla Harris was again outstanding to with 12 disposals and two goals, while Darcy Vescio was arguably the most influential player on the ground for her work at both ends: she kicked a crucial goal in the final term before taking a match-saving mark in defence.

Round 5 v St Kilda:

It was back to Ikon Park for the third annual AFLW Carlton Respects Game and the girls definitely pulled up their socks for this one. Kerryn Harrington once again was unstoppable in the backline finishing with 21 disposals, 11 intercept possessions and nine contested possessions.

Maddy Prespakis dominated in the midfield with 26 disposals and six clearances, while Breann Moody’s 21 hitouts ensured that the Blues’ midfielders continued to have first use. Sarah Hosking was also a standout in the Blues’ win, contributing to the 21-point victory with two goals of her own.

Round 6 v Melbourne:

Carlton made the trip up to Alice Springs to face Melbourne in hot and humid conditions. In arguably the best win of the season, Chole Dalton impressed through the midfield, collecting 17 disposals, while inaugural Blue Gab Pound and draftee Mua Laloifi were essential in holding the fort down back. Brooke Walker was damaging for the Blues up forward, kicking two goals to help the team to a 16-point victory.

Semi final v Brisbane:

In what would end up being the final game for any side in 2020, the team easily accounted for Brisbane in a 29-point win at Ikon Park. While it was the Maddy Prespakis and Chloe Dalton show in the midfield, the day belonged to Georgia Gee, with the electrifying forward kicking her second three-goal haul of the season and providing the highlight of the day with a rundown tackle on Brisbane’s Shannon Campbell.

Jess Hosking was instrumental playing across the backline, collecting 15 disposals.