Vice-captain and utility Ange Stannett was recognised as Fremantle’s 2023 Fairest and Best at the Club awards last Friday night in front of a packed room at the Crown Grand Ballroom.

Stannett spoke to media following the formalities and said how much the award meant to her, sharing the win with her teammates.

The 26-year-old said winning the Fairest and Best was not on her radar when she joined the Club in 2019

“I have so much love and respect for this Club,” Stannett said.

“It means so much because I’m surrounded by so many incredible teammates and they’re amazing at what they do as well, so I’m actually taken aback to be recognised like this.

“I was just happy to be here, happy to try and earn my spot and earn the respect of the team around me at the time.

“To be standing here is a testament to the Club and the environment we’ve created here, and the support and resources we have to be the best players and people we can be.”

The vice-captain had a hugely consistent season, despite positional changes from the backline to the forward line, to then playing in the midfield, proving she was a force to be reckoned with no matter what her role was.

“I was up for whatever (position) I was going to be given. I think every time you step out on the field it’s an opportunity to bring your best, bring your strengths and it’s a privilege to be out there,” Stannett said.

“There are so many people who would want to be in our shoes out there, so regardless of what position you’re in and where you’re playing, you want to be giving your best for the team.”

“Fortunately, I was surrounded by some great footy players, (who are also) great people and great teammates who helped and supported me in my new role, so I didn’t feel so much like a fish out of water.”

Taking home the trifecta of awards, Stannett was honoured to be recognised by her teammates and staff at the Club with the Players’ Award and Best Clubwoman.

“To be voted by your peers for the Players’ Award is always a really special one, and (Best) Clubwoman shows how much I’m keen to bring to the Club,” Stannett said.

“What you put in, you get back tenfold and that’s what it’s all about.

“The centre of it is my connection with my teammates, coaches and staff. I love building those relationships and having a good time with everyone as well because that’s what brings so much meaning into what you do.

“You can go out there and play footy, but if you have no one to share that with, then what’s the point as well. It’s the people that make the whole journey really special.”

Stannett said the team will continue to build from the 2023 season, with sights set on reaching for a premiership in the future.

“It’s been a big season for us in terms of what we’re building and how we’re going to move forward as well,” Stannett said.

“(We have) confidence and belief. I feel like that’s why we play. That’s what we’re here to do. If we’re not talking about that, I don’t think we should be here.

“I have full faith in the squad that’s out (on-field) next season to be able to get there and improve in a way that we’re able to make finals and then eventually flags on the horizon.

“When we get into the day-to-day (challenges), we focus on what we can control, and that’s our training effort, our intent, our game plan and our implementation of all of that.

“We are big on embracing challenges. We know ultimately that is the goal – to win a flag.”