Recap: Saints stars shine at Best & Fairest night

24/07/2023

Tessa Boyd, Ali Hynes, Bella Enno and Jemima Wrigley and Laura Munyard round out the award winners for the night, but it was Winnie Laing who was crowned the Southern Saints Best & Fairest for the 2023 Rebel VFLW season. 

Head Coach Michelle 'Alpha' Densley took the opportunity to reflect on the year that's been, citing the group's 'growth and development' whilst 'learning to love the game' to be a highlight across season 2023. Echoing her messaging over the course of the season, Alpha thanked her players for their courage and ability to challenge her;

'I think I'm always right - I like that they tell me I'm not,' she said jovially whilst trying her best to stick to her script.

Alpha's love for the group was evident as she shared how proud she was of the girls despite not reaching the goals they had set for themselves, noting how amazing they all were as players, yet emphasising that they are 'even better humans.'

The year brought many high points, including adding eighteen new players into the mix, with two players- Beth Pinchin and Lucy Burke - drafted into the AFLW.

Another highlight was the addition of Bella Enno from the now Coates Talent League, who took home the award for Best Emerging Player. 

Alpha lauded her 'sheer hard work' and 'want to learn', both of which were evident in her highlight reel which played on as the room gave her their applause. 

Loved by her teammates, Bella always put in maximum effort whilst enjoying every minute of her time with the Saints this season.

Jemima Wrigley is another player who is an asset to the team, taking home the Coaches Award for 2023.

Alpha emphasised the way in which she 'epitomised the Southern Saints' values', known for her bravery as she 'never stays away from a contest'. 

Her passion on the field is second to none, and after relocating her life to play with the Saints, Wrigley put her heart and soul into every contest - even taking out a social-media-voted 'Player of the Month' award earlier in the season.

A team's success also comes down to their support on every level, with Physiotherapist Laura Munyard taking home the Extra Mile Award.

Munyard not only 'makes the club that extra bit better', but was applauded for her work ethic, with 'nothing ever being too much for her'. 

Her professionalism, care, empathy and understanding allowed the girls to compete at their best throughout the season.

And, who better to take out the Sainter of the Year award than the Saints' 'respectful, caring, genuine and humble' Co-Captain Ali Hynes.

Hynes had an impressive season in the ruck, with her best work on-field coming in the latter part of the season when it counted most. Hynes was equally as important as a leader off-field, with her contributions evident through this award.

'It means a lot,' says Hynes, 'football wouldn't be fun at all without all of you!'

With Gaby De Angelis (third), Hynes (fourth) and Madi Capsalis (fifth) rounding out the top five, the only award left was the Best & Fairest.

Playing a pivotal role all season after switching to half back, Tessa Boyd - who too won a social-media-voted 'Player of the Month' award - was crowned as the much-deserving Runner Up.

Boyd described her role change to be 'really fun' as Backline Coach Leah Olsen expressed how grateful her line were for her services.

Along with her game-saving intercept marks, Boyd's last minute goal against the Western Bulldogs in Round Six was an evident highlight.

And lastly, the wonderful workhorse Winnie Laing was voted the Southern Saints Best & Fairest for the 2023 Rebel VFLW season.

Always the 'first deepest forward and first deepest back' according to Alpha, Laing was given a round of applause as the crowd at Sandy by the Bay witnessed an impressive showreel of her tackles, goals, contested possession and marks.

Laing's all-round talent is only improving as Alpha labelled her to be 'one of the hardest working players' at the Saints - and a player that Alpha, in particular, was immensely proud of.

After some prompting, Laing noted her Dad to be her greatest inspiration;

'He's in my corner 100% of the way.'

The Southern Saints players, staff, families and supporters were thrilled to reflect on their year and look forward to coming back next season to 'go one better'. 

Go Saints!

Written by Chloe Williams - Sandringham FC Media