spirit of norm smith

Maddi Gay has claimed Essendon’s 2024 AFLW Best and Fairest, bringing a fitting close to a terrific first season in red and black. The 28-year-old took home the award in front of teammates, coaches, staff and fans in at Crown on Friday night, finishing in front of starring runner-up Georgia Nanscawen and breakout defender Georgia Clarke in third place. Gay was a dominant force in defence all year and made instant impact in her move from the Demons this season, named in the leadership group and featuring in every game of a season for the first time in her career. The All Australian half back averaged 20 disposals, five marks and a staggering 453 metres gained per game, all career-highs ————————————————— Hawthorn star Eliza West has taken out the club’s best and fairest award in her first season in the brown and gold. The vice-captain polled 68 votes across the 2024 season, while captain and 2023 winner Emily Bates came in second on 60 votes, followed by young gun Jasmine Fleming on 58 votes. West’s win is the result of her outstanding efforts in an impressive debut season with the Hawks, appearing in every game in 2024. The 27-year-old led the team in average disposals (21.9), contested possessions (14), handballs (13.8), ground ball gets (9.8), tackles (7.8) and clearances (5.6). West was appointed as vice-captain ahead of the 2024 season, immediately earning the respect of her fellow teammates after joining the club in the off-season. The maximum number of votes a player can poll is eight, which West received on two occasions – In Week 5 against Geelong (season-high 16 tackles, 24 disposals and seven clearances) and Week 6 against Gold Coast (23 disposals and a goal).

It’s probably a fair assessment on the team. Good to see eMac and Tahlia get recognized for their year.

Yes not sure how this AFL cap works with aligned clubs like Casey, Sandringham and Box Hill. Casey had two listed players with AFL experience on their 2024 list (White & Connelly) , Sandringham nil and Box Hill had five. Not sure of the salary cap for standalone clubs, but for example Williamstown had 10 ex AFL listed players in 2024 and poached/attracted 6-7 good players from other VFL teams over the prior 12 months. They’ve already added 3 ex AFL players this off season. Must have some flowing coin by the bay

EMac ❤️💙👏👏👏👏 had a great year Will be a leader in years to come. Has such great footy IQ and speaks with such insight and knowledge on the team and the requirements.

Daisy Pearce Trophy | Kate Hore – 70 votes At the conclusion of the count, Melbourne captain Kate Hore was titled the Daisy Pearce Trophy winner, edging out vice-captain Hanks by two votes. This is Hore’s third straight best and fairest award, having won during season seven and eight. The Melbourne skipper embraced her second season at the helm, showing her trademark professionalism. This year looked different for Hore though, with the Demon taking on a new dual role where she lined up across both the midfield and forward line. This allowed her to influence games in more ways than one, averaging 18 disposals, four clearances (both career highs) and kicking a total of eight goals across her 10 games.

Third Place | Maeve Chaplin – 67 votes As recognised earlier in the night with the Coaches Award, Chaplin’s campaign was her best yet, putting in the work to produce a breakout season. After a few years of instability in the Melbourne team, Chaplin well and truly made her mark in Melbourne’s defence in 2024, becoming one of the best young defenders across the league. At just 22, Chaplin showed a level of composure above her years, known as a powerful strength coming out of the side’s backline. Her career-making season saw her average 6.7 intercepts (10th in the league) and 13.6 disposals, with a disposal efficiency of 78.7% (a team high). The third-place finish comes after another important accolade, the Demon earning her maiden selection in the All-Australian squad.

Second Place | Tyla Hanks – 68 votes This year saw Hanks once again prove that she is in the top echelon of midfielders within the league, her skill and execution above the rest. The reliable Demon has been a consistent contributor in the Melbourne line-up since her first season at the club back in 2019 and has continued to provide a level of stability for nearly six years now. The hard-working and crafty midfielder led by example as the club’s vice-captain, averaging 18 disposals, five tackles and four clearances.

Daisy Pearce Trophy | Kate Hore – 70 votes Melbourne captain Kate Hore was titled the Daisy Pearce Trophy winner, edging out vice-captain Hanks by two votes. This is Hore’s third straight best and fairest award, having won during season seven and eight. The Melbourne skipper embraced her second season at the helm, showing her trademark professionalism. This year looked different for Hore though, with the Demon taking on a new dual role where she lined up across both the midfield and forward line. This allowed her to influence games in more ways than one, averaging 18 disposals, four clearances (both career highs) and kicking a total of eight goals across her 10 games.

Sad day. Very sad. A club has a heart. Lil was part of the Red & Blue heartbeat. Lifeline player. She played more of a role than just on field stats. Super durable. Week in week out. https://www.facebook.com/MELBOURNEfc/videos/the-best-of-lily-mithen-50-game-milestone-/446295674143893/ https://www.facebook.com/aflwomens/videos/recharging-with-lily-mithen/853457790037182/ What a journey. As we’ve see you grow. Miss ya Roving Lil. 💔💔 so it’s just a Business? Really. Pick 2 or pick 10. You find the right player. Beyond Havana Harris , the next group is even btw

Good news. It sounds like Jai Culley is to sign on with Casey VFL. Would help rebuild Casey stock of quality players. Definitely has the size, skill , contested footy strength to be in AFL system. Perhaps the knock is for him to improve in pace.

More experience players out ? We lost 5 experienced players at end of 2023 and whilst Gall and Pisano showed promise, the team was weaker as a result. Step backwards can work but I’m questioning going again for a second year to weaken the squad. It’s only a 30 woman squad so depth plays a part and injuries hurt. I think we hold pick 10 and draft in a strong young midfielder. Hanks Purcell and another young gun to refresh the midfield. Like the men’s team, young mids coming in are the key.

Last year the club sent out 5 experienced players and hit the draft. Lost the depth and with 6-7 injuries were forced to pick rookies and top ups. AFLW list depth in a 30 player squad is low. You don’t again cut your experience “ in my view”. We need to strong bodies like Harris and Mithen. Note … Lions, Crows, Kangas didn’t hit the draft. They have got in the required players and kept their core strong players. That’s why they are again at the top. Don’t be fooled. Sure they trimmed the list but only as required. Dees can trim 3-4 players and draft in from current picks. TAYLA Harris is needed against these clubs. She is strong. She creates goals. She is a presence. She competes. You don’t easily get that.

He’s got talent. Pace was impressive in this years form. Definitely would be a bonus if he was NGA eligible.

McVee should have a 3-4 year deal on offer. He has the skill and composure to be a very very good player. Let’s get this locked away early in 2025.

Yes agree. Talent was on show. It’s how he can fit into the demands of footy at a higher level. It’s not all just enjoying games with your mates. Although it should be. Hopefully Dees can uncover another excitement machine … “Royball” !!!

Meggs. Clear and correct summary. Agree totally. 👏👏👏👏👏

Stafford as forwards coach … and now Chaplin. Why not have an experienced ex- forward to coach the forward line !!!

It was a prediction …

Gold Coast. That’s where careers go to die. Really it’s probably a cash splash by the $suns. They have 3 or 4 top academy juniors and need steady strong leaders. Lil needs to choose her heart or to cash in!!

McNamara Chaplin Hore Hanks Goldrick special mention to Shelley Heath who gave 110%

He’s got talent. Definitely would be a bonus if he was NGA eligible.

Pick 86 in the eleventh round of the draft in 2016! Pies pick who after 2 years moved to the Kangas 🤣🤣🤣

After two years on the Eagles AFL list, Coby Burgiel was delisted. He was drafted pick 29 in 2022 draft. He was injured in his first year at the Eagles and never got back to full fitness until mid 2024. He showed himself to be a quick skilled running type of player in his junior days Certainly one player for Casey to have a phone call with. Draft bio was DOB: 9/9/2004 Height: 183cm Weight: 76kg Position: Midfielder/forward Recruited from: Gippsland Power/Vic Country The speedy and versatile Gippsland Power product enjoyed a breakout season at NAB League and national under-18s level, where he averaged almost 22 disposals and kicked 12 goals from nine appearances. Capable of playing as a small forward, high half-forward, through midfield or on a wing, Burgiel ticks plenty of boxes and his raw pace saw him run the third-fastest 20m sprint time at the AFL Draft Combine (2.88 seconds). https://www.westcoasteagles.com.au/video/1253040/2022-afl-draft-pick-29-coby-burgiel?videoId=1253040&modal=true&type=video&publishFrom=1669700497001

Big year ahead for 1. Steven May 2. Jacob van Rooyen 3. Christian Salem 5. Christian Petracca 8. Jake Lever 9. Charlie Spargo 10. Daniel Turner 13. Clayton Oliver 14. Jack Billings 16. Bailey Laurie 17. Jake Bowey 21. Matt Jefferson 22. Blake Howes 23. Shane McAdam 26. Jed Adams 28. Will Verrall 32. Tom Sparrow 33. Tom Fullarton 35. Harry Petty 36. Kysaiah Pickett 38. Oliver Sestan 40. Taj Woewodin 44. Luker Kentfield 45. Andy Moniz-Wakefield

Jumpers to be presented by … ??? some suggestions Demon numbers: Daniel Turner - 10. Angus Brayshaw. Koltyn Tholstrup - 12 Todd Viney Harvey Langford - 19 Ray Biffin Xavier Lindsey - 20 Colin Garland Tom Campbell - 29 Juice Newton Harry Sharp - 30 ANB 🤣… Paul Hoppy Hopgood Ricky Mentha Jnr - 39 Nev Jetta 🤞 Aidan Johnson - 42 Russell Robertson