Tara Murray
Georgia Nanscawen’s incredible run of form in the Victorian Football League Women’s competition has seen her win a second Lambert-Pearce Medal.
After winning the VFLW’s top honour last season in a shortened season due to COVID-19, Nanscawen backed up her form to claim the medal a second straight year.
The midfielder polled in every game she played, receiving 33 votes from a possible 36 votes. She finished 13 votes clear of second placed Tamara Luke.
Nanscawen also won the inaugural coaches most valuable players award and was named in the team of the year.
Nanscawen said it was nice recognition for her season. The joy of getting out to play a full season of football was something that had also been enjoyable.
“You never go into it expecting to win these sorts of things,” she said.
“On a personal level I thought I had a nice consistent season, It’s always very humbling to be recognised in that way.
“After those COVID disrupted seasons, the fire was in the belly to get back out there and play football again and be around the people you care about and like being around.
“It was nice to be able to go out there and have a full season, get the season done, get the premiership done.”
Nanscawen was one of five Bombers named in the team of year. Her co-captain Mia Rae Clifford was named captain of the team, while leading goal kicker Federica Frew, Renee Tierney and Amelia Radford, also made the team.
Bombers coach Brendan Major was named the coach of the team of the year. Nanscawen said she wouldn’t be where she was without him, but admits he’s one of the most annoying men she’s met.
She said she was really proud of her teammates and coach for their achievements.
The medal is bittersweet for Nanscawen who tore her ACL in the VFLW grand final win. It ruled her out of the AFLW season as part of Essendon’s inaugural AFLW side.
“I had a little taste of AFL football out of the hockey program with North Melbourne in 2019 in their inaugural year and I was delisted,” she said.
“From there all things worked out how I ended up at Essendon and to be on the list this year being ruled out with an ACL injury is disappointing.
“At the stage now focus on the recovery and see what happens next year if I was to get another opportunity to run out with Essendon in the AFLW would be nice.
“I would love to be able to run out with them, having seen the program grow for the five or so years. It would be fantastic to get an opportunity to play with them. The focus now is to get the rehab right.”
