Adelaide Star Ebony Marinoff Wins AFLW Best and Fairest Award
Adelaide star Ebony Marinoff has emerged victorious in the AFLW best and fairest award, surpassing North Melbourne’s Ash Riddell by three votes. This thrilling victory unfolded during the count on Monday night, with Marinoff securing 23 votes out of a potential 33 for this prestigious individual accolade.
Marinoff’s Remarkable Achievement
- Marinoff’s triumph marks a significant milestone in her career, solidifying her as a standout player in the league.
- She becomes the second Adelaide player to claim this esteemed award, following in the footsteps of the legendary Erin Phillips.
- In addition to the best and fairest title, Marinoff also secured her seventh All-Australian selection on the same evening.
This remarkable achievement caps off a nearly flawless season for the 27-year-old midfielder, who boasts three premierships under her belt. Furthermore, she was recognized as the player of the year by AFLW coaches, underscoring her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport.
Marinoff’s Reflections on Success
Reflecting on her journey to this pinnacle, Marinoff expressed gratitude and awe at the trajectory of her career. She reminisced about her humble beginnings at Lockleys Footy Club and marveled at the evolution of AFLW since its inception.
Marinoff shared, “I pinch myself being up here because as a five-year-old down at Lockleys Footy Club, there was never a vision of AFLW. I get to play the game that I love for a job, so that’s pretty cool. In the first year, we were playing six, seven games, getting $8,000. A lot has changed since then. To be a foundation player with many other girls, just so proud to have built the league that we have.”
Marinoff’s Path to Victory
Despite fierce competition from Riddell, Marinoff maintained her lead throughout the season, culminating in a nail-biting finish. With a mere two-point difference, Marinoff clinched the award in the final round, securing her well-deserved win.
Additionally, Marinoff proved her prowess by receiving two more votes to solidify her position at the top, leaving no room for doubt regarding her exceptional performance.
Recognition for Fellow Players
While basking in her own glory, Marinoff also took a moment to acknowledge the talent of her peers. She praised North Melbourne star Jasmine Garner and expressed confidence in her future success, highlighting the camaraderie and respect shared among players in the league.
Marinoff, Garner, and North captain Emma Kearney joined an elite group of AFLW players named in seven or more All-Australian teams, signifying their enduring impact on the sport.
All-Australian Squad Highlights
The All-Australian squad featured a diverse array of talent, with Adelaide and Brisbane particularly well represented. Notable mentions include:
- Adelaide’s Chelsea Randall, earning her fifth nod and securing a spot on the interchange.
- Brisbane’s Bre Koenen, narrowly missing out on selection despite making it to the extended squad.
- West Coast’s Ella Roberts, the youngest player in the squad and one of 12 recipients of their maiden All-Australian blazer.
Furthermore, Fremantle’s Mim Strom and Port’s Matilda Scholz garnered attention for their exceptional performances, with Scholz also clinching the Rising Star award and marking a promising future in the league.
Recognition of Rising Stars
It is worth noting that Scholz’s remarkable achievements extended beyond the Rising Star award, as she also claimed the mark of the year. Additionally, Adelaide’s Hannah Munyard’s goal secured the coveted goal of the year title, underscoring the depth of talent and skill present in the AFLW.
Conclusion
Ebony Marinoff’s triumph in the AFLW best and fairest award exemplifies the dedication, skill, and passion that define the league’s players. As she celebrates this well-deserved victory, Marinoff stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring athletes and a testament to the growth and success of women’s football.
FAQs
1. Who won the AFLW best and fairest award?
Ebony Marinoff of Adelaide emerged as the winner of the AFLW best and fairest award, securing 23 votes to claim this prestigious honor.
2. How many All-Australian selections has Ebony Marinoff received?
Marinoff’s recent selection marks her seventh All-Australian nod, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the league.