By Tara Murray
To say that Sunbury Kangaroos’ Bailee Said was shocked to take out the inaugural Essendon District Football League Women’s best and fairest award is an understatement.
Said, who won the award by one vote, wasn’t even in the room as the votes from the final few rounds were read out at the awards night last week.
Having already taken out the rising star award, Said didn’t think she would win another award and was in the car about to head to the Kangaroos best and fairest night that was being held at the same time.
A couple of quick phone calls and Said arrived back in the room just in time to receive her league best and fairest award.
Said finished on 17 votes, one clear of Sunbury Lions Yolanda Jones and Westmeadows’ Jacinta Scott.
Said said she was over the moon to take out the award.
“I had no idea I was a chance at winning the best and fairest,” she said. “I had missed a few games as well which made me think I didn’t have a chance at winning.
“My reaction at the start, I didn’t believe that I had actually won, so I shrugged it off when I got a call.
“When [coach] Allan [Walters] got a call from the league representatives telling us to come back for me to collect my award, then I realised and I could not be happier.
“I never thought I would be able to win the league best and fairest. It’s a pleasure to receive this award and have recognition of how I went this year.”
Said said she believed an improved fitness base had been a big key to her taking her game to the next level
“I believe my skills and fitness improved throughout the year which allowed me to play well for the Kangaroos, so as a whole I believe it went very well,” she said.
Said had already been named on the bench in the team of the year. She was one of four Kangaroos players named in the team.
Tylah Bell, who won the Kangaroos best and fairest award, Bec Dekazos and Tara Crisp were also named in the team.
In other league women’s awards, Pascoe Vale’s Bridgette Aparo was named captain of team of the year, while Aberfeldie’s Claire Heffernan was named senior women’s coach of the year.
