North Melbourne’s Ash Riddell wins best and fairest, Jasmine Garner named All-Australian captain, Zippy Fish is rising star
Riddell emphasized her connection to captain Jasmine Garner, who was part of the bridal party.
“We just make each other better, we are byproducts of each other on the field and we have really good times off the field,” he said.
Captain Kangaroo: Jas Garner wins eighth All-Australian jacket, Zippy Fish rising star
Jasmine Garner enhanced her reputation as a giant of the AFLW on Monday night, captaining the All-Australian team for the third time and being named in the team of the year for a record-equalling eighth time; Sydney livestream Zippy Fish won the league’s Rising Star award.
This honor recognizes the remarkable impact Garner has had on the AFLW; Garner will wrap up her 10th season with the grand final on Saturday, where Garner and teammate Emma Kearney – the league’s other eight-time All-Australian – will try to guide North Melbourne to back-to-back titles.
Jasmine Garner was named captain of the All-Australian team for the third time. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Three other Kangaroos join Garner (Ruck Rover) in the squad: rover Ash Riddell, centre-half forward Tahlia Randall and Blaithin Bogue (exchange).
“I feel a bit old,” Garner laughed when asked about his eighth All-Australian team selection.
“I love what I do and I’m very lucky and I’m just trying to enjoy the journey.”
Fish finished her rookie season edging out Carlton’s Poppy Scholtz, while Indy Tahau won the award as the league’s best goal scorer.
Speaking on stage after his Rising Star victory, Fish thanked his family for helping him realize his AFLW dream.
“I think I’m a really good person too, so I thank them,” he said.
A Larrakia, Wongi, Noongar and Nunga woman, Fish is known for her aerial ability, athleticism and explosive speed; This suits its fast nickname very well.
The explosive midfielder made his debut against Richmond in round one and has featured in all 12 matches for the Swans this season, averaging 21 disposals per game.
Ashton Ferreira (left) and the Swans’ Zippy Fish.Credit: Getty Images
North go into the grand final against the Brisbane Lions as heavy favourites, undefeated this season and looking for their 27th consecutive win.
That stretch includes last year’s grand final victory over the Lions, where Garner was rated the best on the ground. In fact, North’s last loss was against Brisbane in the 2023 grand final.
The Lions were well represented, with 12 of the 18 clubs having at least one player in the team, as they named defender Jennifer Dunne in the All-Australian team’s last line of defence, and Courtney Hodder at the other end of the field, as they beat preliminary finalists Melbourne (Maeve Chaplin, Tyla Hanks and Kate Hore) and Carlton (Harriet Cordner and Dayna Finn).
Loading
The inclusion of imports Dunne, Bogue, as well as Irish compatriots Niamh McLaughlin (Gold Coast) and Aine McDonagh (Hawthorn), demonstrated the striking influence the Emerald Isle continue to have on the women’s game.
A host of other AFLW awards will be announced on Monday night, including the league’s prestigious best and fairest gong.
More to come
Keep up to date with the best AFL coverage in the country. Sign up for the Real Footy newsletter.
