After an outstanding season, West Coast Eagles star Ella Roberts has been crowned the 2024 AFLW Club Champion.
Young gun Roberts polled 115 votes to finish ahead of elite defender Charlie Thomas (114), in a thrilling count, with star midfielder Bella Lewis (106) rounding out the top three.
Emerging defender Beth Schilling (102) finished fourth following her breakout campaign, followed by experienced midfielder Ali Drennan (100) in her first season in the blue and gold.
Zoe Wakfer (96), Mikayla Western (92), skipper Emma Swanson (89), first-year player Sanne Bakker (85), Lauren Wakfer (84) and Kellie Gibson (84) all polled in the top 10 after impressive performances throughout the year.
In just her third season in the AFLW, Roberts elevated her game to new heights and played in a way that had her coaches, teammates and fans watching on in awe.
The 19-year-old Peel Thunder product became a dominant midfielder in the competition, averaging career-bests for disposals (21.4), contested possessions (12.2) and clearances (3.5), while also kicking six goals.
Her aerial work was another feature of her game, with Roberts finishing fourth in the League for contested marks (13).
Roberts managed a career-high 11 marks in week six against Port Adelaide, before breaking the Eagles’ AFLW club disposal record in week nine against Geelong with 33 touches.
In a number of challenging matchups throughout the season, Roberts proved to be the difference, the youngster showing drive and determination to turn the game around and swing momentum back in West Coast’s favour.
Her quick thinking and football smarts consistently got the better of her opponents, and the talented teenager will only continue to grow and develop, with her best football yet to come.
In other awards, exciting young midfielder Courtney Rowley was named Best Club Person, following a season when she returned to the team in week eight after suffering an ACL injury in the final game of 2023.
In one of the biggest breakout stories of the season, defender Beth Schilling starred with a new-found confidence, and was presented the Trademark Player award, as voted by the playing group.
The Eagles’ No. 2 draft pick Jess Rentsch received the Emerging Player award, with the 18-year-old midfielder-turned-defender showing positive signs for a bright future in the League.
To add another trophy to her mantle, Roberts was also named Fan MVP, as voted by the Eagles’ faithful.
Retiring defender Evie Gooch was celebrated on the night after hanging up the boots following 44 AFLW games, including 21 in the blue and gold.
AFLW Club Champion Top 10:
Player |
Votes |
Ella Roberts |
115 |
Charlie Thomas |
114 |
Bella Lewis |
106 |
Beth Schilling |
102 |
Ali Drennan |
100 |
Zoe Wakfer |
96 |
Mikayla Western |
92 |
Emma Swanson |
89 |
Sanne Bakker |
85 |
Lauren Wakfer |
84 |
Kellie Gibson |
84 |
Club Champion: Ella Roberts
Runner-Up: Charlie Thomas
Best Club Person: Courtney Rowley
Trademark Player: Beth Schilling
Emerging Player: Jess Rentsch
Fan MVP: Ella Roberts