Tara Murray
For Westmeadows star Gemma Wright it’s just about going out and having fun on the field in the Essendon District Football League women’s premier division competition.
Having joined the club a couple of years ago having initially decided to give up football due to mental health issues, Wright has dominated the competition.
On Wednesday night, she claimed her second straight league best and fairest award. While she shared the award last year with Emily Paterno, she was the clear winner this year.
Wright finished on 18 votes, six clear of Burnside Heights Krissy Heights and Aberfeldie’s Ilaria Akers.
Wright was left stunned after claiming the medal.
“I can’t believe I won it, I was very lucky,” she said.
“I was nervous coming in tonight as I didn’t think I had the best season. I thought I did okay, I’m very lucky to be up here tonight.”
Wright said this year the side had started to get a wider spread of contributors, highlighting players like Courtney Bligh, Mikayla Plant and Ruby Smith as some of the up and coming stars at the team.
The medal is the latest in honours for Wright. She had twice previously finished in the top three in league best and fairests, with her twin sister Sarah Wright winning both.
She won Carlton’s Victorian Football League Women’s best and fairest as well.
Wright said for her it’s about just enjoying playing football.
“I bloody love it,” she said. “I’ve had a lot of mental health issues and I just love being part of the Westmeadows Football Club.
“The last two seasons my form hasn’t been great. I’m not the fittest I’ve been, I’m just playing footy and loving it.”
Wright was also named captain of the team of the year.
A new challenge faces Wright next season as she takes on the role of coach of the Tigers’ premier division side.
She said it’s something that she’s excited about.”
Keilor premiership coach Brooke Surgeon was named coach of the premier division team of the year.
In other awards, Strathmore’s Eloise Freeman won the division 1 best and fairest and rising star award.
In division 2, Cheyene Macumber won the division best and fairest.
