STAR forward Darcy Vescio has tonight been crowned the winner of Carlton’s 2021 AFLW Best and Fairest award.
The inaugural Game Changer claimed the Blues’ top honour in front of a sold-out function at Crown, proudly presented by Big Ant Studios.
Vescio finished the evening’s count on 66 votes, ahead of fellow forward Nicola Stevens (53) and co-captain Kerryn Harrington (49).
The 27-year-old was simply back at her best in 2021, earning praise across the competition, during a year in which she also returned to Carlton’s leadership group.
Vescio’s stellar 2021 season saw her top the League’s goalkicking for the second time, with her 16 goals breaking the AFLW record for the most majors in a season. That accolade was also accompanied by a second All-Australian nod on Tuesday night, with Vescio announced among the competition’s best 21.
Featuring in all nine games this year, the dynamic forward continued her incredible record of playing in every game since the AFLW’s inception, averaging nine disposals and three marks.
She proved unstoppable in the second half of the Blues’ 2021 campaign, kicking multiple goals in five of her last six games, including a five-goal haul against the Gold Coast Suns in Round 8.
With her athleticism, marking ability and consistency in front of goal the hallmarks of her game, Vescio has been a reliable performer in the Navy Blue throughout all five AFLW seasons, and with 2021 arguably her best yet, she was also a deserving recipient of the Most Valuable Bluebagger award on Friday night – voted on by the playing group with votes tallied weekly and afforded to the teammate who got their job done over the course of the season.
Runner-up and defender-turned-forward Stevens also enjoyed an impressive 2021 campaign, relishing her time in the Blues’ forward half to finish 13 votes shy of Vescio at the final count.
Averaging 10 disposals in her fourth year in the Navy Blue, the 28-year-old finished the season ranked second at the Club for total contested marks (10) and score involvements (35).
Harrington’s third-place finish saw the skipper return to the podium for the second time after she also finished third in the Club’s best-and-fairest count in 2019.
The defender took her game to another level in 2021, achieving a career-high for disposals (132), while also leading the way at the Club for intercepts (65) and rebounds (32) in the Blues’ back half to be recognised with selection in the initial 40-person AFLW All-Australian squad.
Senior Coach Daniel Harford praised the on-field achievements of all three Game Changers this season.
“Since arriving at IKON Park as a marquee signing in 2016, Darcy has pulled on the No.3 guernsey with pride and determination, and each week she gives her absolute best,” Harford said.
“Darcy has been a Game Changer since day one, and our football club could not be prouder to have witnessed her put together the season that she did this year, and be rewarded with such an honour tonight.
“To her credit, she has established herself as a favourite amongst the Carlton faithful, not only for her lively on-field displays but for her genuine connection with Bluebaggers across the country, and it was fantastic to have a number of them join us tonight.
“Both Nicola and Kerryn are true competitors and we know exactly what we are going to get from them each week. They put in the work at training and lead by example on game day, and as a result, they have both once again had very impressive seasons.
“To have all three players of their experience finish in the top three at our club this year, is a testament to each of them as individuals and as admirable leaders of our group. They continue to drive the standards and strive to get the very best out of themselves and their teammates.”
Rounding out the top 10 in the 2021 vote count was Madison Prespakis (38) in fourth place, Georgia Gee and Grace Egan (34) who tied in fifth, followed by Gabriella Pound (31), Breann Moody (29), Jess Hosing (27) and Elise O’Dea (26).
The evening also saw defender Jess Hosking acknowledged as the recipient of the Coaches Award – voted on by the coaches to recognise the player who consistently displayed the team’s values throughout the season.
While promising youngster Mimi Hill took home the VISY Best First Year Player award, demonstrating her talent and class during her six games this season.
2021 AFLW Best and Fairest leaderboard
• Darcy Vescio 66 votes
• Nicola Stevens 53 votes
• Kerryn Harrington 49 votes
• Madison Prespakis 38 votes
• Georgia Gee 34 votes
• Grace Egan 34 votes
• Gabriella Pound 31 votes
