Thursday night was a night to remember for All Australian Mim Strom, who not only took home the Players’ Award, but was also crowned Fremantle’s Fairest and Best winner for 2024.

Strom spoke to media following the exciting announcement, and said she felt honoured to be recognised among teammates, coaches, staff and family.

“There’s too many people to thank but honestly, I just feel a lot of joy to be crowned this medal in such an incredible team,” Strom said.

“I just wanted to hug my partner, get up there and thank all the incredible people that got me here.”

Touching on what the Players’ Award means to her, Strom praised her teammates for putting faith in her.

“It's incredible – I was honestly shocked because that’s a really important award to be voted by your peers in a group that is so selfless and hardworking,” Strom said.

"To vote for me is a pretty surreal feeling, (and) to know they have that much trust in me as the Players’ Player is just as important to me as this (Fairest and Best) medal.”

When asked how she reflected on the 2024 season, Strom’s focus was towards doing what she could to play her part for the team. 

“I thought the year was all around just playing my role,” Strom said.

“It’s awesome to come to these things, but within the four walls, it was just me playing my role and that was the (focus) to me and being the teammate people can rely on.

“I definitely am playing with a lot of confidence, and again, I think that’s due to just knowing my role and I know what Webby expects of each and every one of us.

“It hasn’t sunk in – I don’t think it will for a while, but this means a lot to me.”

Strom touched on what her 2025 focuses will be individually, not shying away from wanting to continue to grow.

“I’m a very competitive person and whatever I produce, I want to produce better the next time,” Strom said.

“The hitout count is great, but you need to look at the hitouts to advantage and how much you’re actually providing for the mids, and that’s something I’ll be looking at again.

“There’s lots of areas of my game to improve and I’ve got plenty of that for next year.”

Strom said the connected group will be raring to go when it comes time to get stuck back into it, and won’t shy away from the work that needs to be done.

“The loss to Adelaide stings, but we know that’s where we need to be next year and it’s something we’ll be definitely working on in the off-season to get to,” Strom said.

“You saw it tonight – the connectedness – I think you can feel it in the room. 

“Both of our podium finishers came from other teams, and you can feel how welcomed they are and how they’ve thrived in this environment and winning their awards.

“The sky is the limit for this group, and I can’t wait for the Draft in getting some new girls in and welcoming them to this really special group.”