Georgie Prespakis’ rise in the AFLW continues with the midfielder claiming her first Geelong Cats AFLW Best and Fairest award.
The 20-year-old enjoyed a career-best season averaging 24.2 disposals, 7.2 tackles and 6.6 clearances a game.
Prespakis, who was runner-up in AFLW Season 7 Best and Fairest to Amy McDonald, continued to stamp her influence on the AFLW, with her commitment to the contest and will to drive the Cats forward into attack out of stoppage.
Ranking equal-third in the competition for average clearances (6.6), Prespakis also ranked sixth for contested possessions (13.7) and equal-seventh for ground ball gets (9).
Polling 188 votes to win the award, Prespakis finished ahead of fellow midfielders Nina Morrison with 163 votes and Amy McDonald with 82 votes.
Morrison, who took her game to a new level in 2023, averaged a career-high 22.9 disposals and 4.8 clearances a game as she spent more time as an inside midfielder. She was also damaging in the front half, kicking six goals.
A three-time Cats Best and Fairest winner, McDonald continued to establish herself as one of the elite midfielders of the competition, working to create a dynamic midfield threat alongside Morrison, Prespakis and Darcy Moloney.
McDonald averaged 22.7 disposals per game (up on her career average of 21), 7.2 tackles and 5.8 clearances a game. She also finished in a tie for second in the AFLW Best and Fairest, which was held last week.
Defender Claudia Gunjaca’s breakthrough season was recognised by finishing fourth in the count on 69 votes, with Becky Webster finishing fifth on 53 votes.
In other awards on the night, Prespakis claimed her second-consecutive Fan MVP award, proudly supported by Geelong Dairy.
Retiring Cat Renee Garing claimed the values-based Hoops Award, which is voted on by players at the conclusion of the season, recognising the player who best demonstrates care for her teammates’ wellbeing, champions the Club’s and team’s values, works for the greater good of the Club, and positively engages in all aspects of the AFLW program.
Kate Darby’s extraordinary commitment to the community was recognised with versatile tall claiming her third Carter Family Community Champion award.
Darby, who earlier this year was awarded the AFL/AFLW-wide Tom Hafey Variety Heart of Football Award, has continued to be an excellent role model and positive influence in the community space, particularly in her work in participation, inclusion and as a Pride Ambassador.
Away from the Club, Darby is also an ambassador for Peace of Mind Foundation, and regularly gives of her free time to support junior girls’ football teams at Surf Coast Suns and Armstrong Creek football clubs.
2023 Geelong Cats AFLW Best and Fairest Top 10
1. Georgie Prespakis – 188 votes
2. Nina Morrison – 163 votes
3. Amy McDonald – 82 votes
4. Claudia Gunjaca – 69 votes
5. Becky Webster – 53 votes
6. Jackie Parry – 50 votes
7. Aishling Moloney – 34 votes
8. Chloe Scheer – 23 votes
9. Chantel Emonson – 21 votes
10. Meghan McDonald – 19 votes
Voting system
At the completion of each AFLW match, the senior coach awarded a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rating for the five best players by his estimation. The three AFLW line coaches were also required to award a 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 rating each to the best five players by their estimation. These ratings are then combined, with 20 votes being the maximum number any player can receive for an AFLW Round.
