Isabelle Pritchard capped off a breakout 2024 campaign by claiming the Western Bulldogs AFLW best and fairest award on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old led the count from start to finish, polling 38 of a possible 55 votes to secure the win.
Pritchard enjoyed a career-best outing this season, averaging 19.9 disposals, 5.6 tackles and 5.2 clearances.
Having previously played at half back and on the wing, Pritchard, who played her junior football at Spotswood, moved into the middle of the ground this year where she proved to be a standout.
Her previous best finish was the second season in 2022 when she finished third and was named best young player.
She finished seven votes clear of runner-up Rylie Wilcox (31), with Jess Fitzgerald close behind in third with 30 votes.
Elisabeth Georgostathis (29) and Maggie Gorham (28) rounded out the top five.
Speaking to the Bulldogs website after winning the award, Pritchard, who has been a lifelong Bulldogs supporter, said it was a pretty surreal moment realising that she had won the medal.
“I said in my speech growing up that my dad would have kicked me out of the house if I supported any other team. To be acknowledged and be part of the club I grew up barracking for and walking past the Dogs murals all over the place, it makes it even more special.
“I’m so grateful and my family so happy for them as well.”
Pritchard said she said this season with some off seasons departures and injury to Ellie Blackburn, allowed her and some others speed up and set a really good foundation for the future.
She was full of praise for Wilcox and Fitzgerald for the seasons they has as well. She said both her and Fitzgerald both felt like they belonged in the midfield.
“Beforehand I was so ecstatic for Fitz and Riley to get acknowledged, they’ve had amazing seasons I’m so happy for them,” she said.
Pritchard recently signed a new three year contract with the club.
Wilcox also claimed the club community award for her work with the Western Bulldogs Community Foundation, while Isabella Grant won the Anissa Groves trainers’ award.
Heidi Woodley was recognised as the most improved, while Georgostathis took home the coaches’ award.
Elaine Grigg was named best young player, and Gorham was voted the players’ player.
