Vice-captain and star all-rounder, Ange Stannett has been awarded Fremantle’s AFLW Fairest and Best for the 2023 season, with 154 votes across 10 rounds.

Stannett’s love for her teammates and Club-first attitude throughout the season was also recognised, as she took home her second Players’ Award as well as the Best Clubwoman Award for the fourth season in a row.

In a nail-biting Fairest and Best count, a single vote separated Stannett from runner-up Emma O’Driscoll who polled 154 votes, while talented ruck Mim Strom came third (123 votes) in her first ever podium finish.

Irish key forward Aine Tighe (115) and defender Laura Pugh (113) rounded out the top five.

Players are allocated zero-to-five votes based on their performances from five of Fremantle’s coaches, meaning a player can earn a maximum of 25 votes in one game for a dominant performance.

The Best First Year Player Award went to defender Jae Flynn, who debuted in Round 3 and is known for her on-field grit and impressive athleticism.

AFLW Senior Coach Lisa Webb was wrapped for Stannett, highlighting her consistency on and off the field throughout the season as one of her strengths.

Webb praised Stannett’s positional adaptability and team-first approach.

“It’s a superb result for Ange. She has been a really consistent performer across the 10 games this year,” Webb said.

“Ange always has a team first approach. Everything she did on and off the field - no matter what her role was - she gave full effort and intensity.

“She brought great intensity and consistency in every role we gave her and no matter what match up it was, she was excellent at being able to play her role for the team.”

Stannett totalled a career-high 68 tackles for 2023, doubling her figures from the previous year, as well as 144 disposals – the most she has ever had from her six seasons playing AFLW.

“Ange’s ability to do the one-percenters has been extraordinary,” Webb said.

“Her tackle pressure, capability to follow set structure, and cover off her opponents are all things she does really well at consistently.”

Stannett’s fourth Best Clubwoman accolade in as many seasons was a testament to her personability and strong communication skills, according to Webb.

“Ange has a great ability to consistently get to every single player on the list,” Webb said.

“It doesn’t matter if they’re older or younger, she is able to communicate and find time for all the players.

“She is a great sounding board and has a lot of trust within the playing group.”

Second and third place getters Strom and O’Driscoll were both selected in this year’s All-Australian squad, while Strom was also selected in the 22under22 squad.

The final All-Australian team will be announced at Monday’s W Awards.

Webb said she was proud of the pair for their efforts this year and their constant hunger to learn.

“The ‘raging bull’ (O’Driscoll) strikes again!” Webb said.

“Emma has a real thirst to learn, and she’s always asking questions to be able to do that.

“She has a massive amount of energy and drive to improve off the field…and she’s found this new confidence in her ability to be able to execute her role every single week.

“Emma is really team driven and I’m really proud of the progress she’s made. Her best is yet to come.

“It’s no surprise Mim came third - she’s shown league-wide how dominant she can be as a ruck.

“Her connection with the inside-mids and her ability to work at ground level has also just been incredible.”

THE TOP 10
Ange Stannett – 154
Emma O’Driscoll – 153
Mim Strom – 123
Aine Tighe – 115
Laura Pugh – 113
Hayley Miller – 109
Orlagh Lally – 108
Dana East – 107
Megan Kauffman – 104
Madi Scanlon – 101