Essendon co-captain Bonnie Toogood has capped off a terrific individual season by winning Bombers’ AFLW best and fairest award on Thursday night.
After finishing runner-up in a solid 2022 season, the 25-year-old upped the ante once again this year, averaging 19 disposals per game and booting 16 goals on the way to the Bombers’ maiden finals appearance.
Toogood finished on 133 votes, beating out last year’s winner Maddy Prespakis, who finished on 125 votes, and emerging star Stephanie Wales on 96 votes to claim top honours.
In a season stacked with strong performances, ToogRood starred in the biggest games, including a career-high 24 disposals in the country round victory over Geelong and a 23-touch, two-goal display in round one’s win against the Hawks.
The forward also won the club’s goalkicking and received the best club person award, voted on by football and club executives for her positive impact throughout the organisation.
The result caps off a breakthrough season from Toogood, who was also named vice captain of the All-Australian team at centre half forward.
Toogood said she was very honoured and didn’t know what to say.
“You trade this, you trade an All-Australian jacket in for a premiership, any day,” she said.
“I’ve been very determined with what I want to achieve in my career, that is a premiership, but when I sat in the seats at W awards and I see the All Australian squad.
“To have this around my neck is kind of wild. The past three weeks haven’t felt like my life, I didn’t think I’d quite make it… the work that I’ve put in over seven seasons now, is pretty cool.”
Toogood said the allure of winning a second premiership and a first one with the team she grew up with keeps her motivated.
She said her teammates were pretty special as well.
“Having ultimate success,” she said when asked what drives her. “I was able to do that with the Western Bulldogs.
“That 20 minutes after that game is pure elation and there’s nothing else in the world that matters and I’d love to get that feeling back there,
“Turning up at the football club and you’re with your mates. You get to hang out and play footy for a living.
“Get to have friendships that will last a lifetime and that really motivates me. Game day hugs. I love them.
“That elation after a game and you’ve gone out and achieved your goal for that week, is really rewarding.”
In other awards, Wales also received the most courageous player award, utility Sophie Alexander received the staff and trainers award, Alex Morcom was named the players’ player and Paige Scott received the rising star award.
