Why the W Award should keep its name and who could win it this year
We're heading towards the pointy end of the AFLW season and in addition to discussions about who will take out this year's W Award, there is also debate about its name.
Should the league best-and-fairest award be named after an AFLW footy great? Suggestions have included current player Erin Phillips and pioneers of the game such as Jan Cooper and Debbie Lee. But does the medal need to be named after someone? How can we justify one person over another? And what about those quiet, behind-the-scenes workers and supporters? Chas Brownlow, for whom the AFLM best-and-fairest award is named, was originally a player, but his most significant legacy was as a football administrator.
There have been calls for the W Award to be named after Erin Phillips.Credit:Pat Scala
There have been so many women who have contributed to our game: from the days when women were forced to play on wet soggy grounds on a Sunday afternoon, or the women who kept fighting for more opportunities to play. There have been so many greats whose contributions have created the opportunities we have today, I don't think we can pick just one. At this stage, I am content with the award remaining the W medal.
Which takes us to the question, who will take out this year's award? Last year, Bri Davey and Kiara Bowers, the eventual joint winners, were both favourites to take out the medal. This year, with Davey out with an ACL injury and Bowers out due to suspension, it opens the field to quite a few players as they race for the highest individual honour in the AFLW competition.
Emily Bates, the Brisbane midfielder who so often flies under the radar, has gone to a new level this season and is likely to poll highly. Bates' ability to work well in congestion and fire out the handball to Brisbane's elite runners is a huge factor in their team's success. This, coupled with her precision kicking, makes her one of the elites of our game.
Under the radar: Emily Bates has had a great season.Credit:Getty Images
The dynamic Adelaide duo, Anne Hatchard and Ebony Marinoff, will certainly catch the attention of the umpires. Both are consistently strong in the contest and fierce tacklers with a solid work rate, making them a formidable force. They may, however, steal votes from one another, which could make it difficult for to win.
My ex-Bulldog teammate, Monique Conti, grabbed headlines at the start of the season with her form. Now with Richmond, the dazzling midfielder, after stepping away from her basketball commitments, has reaped the rewards of a big pre-season by working on her endurance while also showing the best sidestep in the game. After round one, Patrick Dangerfield tweeted: "if Richmond win enough games, Conti will win the league best and fairest". A big call after only one game, but I think he might have been right. Unfortunately for Richmond and Conti, their lack of wins may mean she slips in the votes.
New Fremantle captain Hayley Miller will also be sure to poll well. She has thrived in her new leadership role and has been driving the attack for Fremantle this season. Her ability to burst from stoppages and deliver the ball inside 50 for the Dockers is a major reason her team has been so potent. She has been hitting the scoreboard regularly this season, and we love a midfielder who can score goals.
Finally, I cannot leave out my teammate, Ash Riddell. She's been a prolific ball-winner, round after round. It's no surprise to see her growth -- she is one of the hardest workers at the club and is always looking at ways to add to her game. Her work rate to get to each contest is admirable.
Whoever wins, this will be a count worth watching.
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