Southern Saints B&F Preview

13/07/2022

The Southern Saints Best & Fairest Night is set to take place this Friday. Here’s a preview of the biggest award of them all, the Best and Fairest

Favourite: Hannah Stuart

With each VFLW season she just keeps on improving and improving. This season saw Stuart get more midfield time, taking her game to another level.

Playing all 18 games for the 2022 season, she led the VFLW in total disposals (405, 22.5 per game), kicks (253, 14.1) as well as ranking fourth in tackles (119, 6.6 per game) and acquiring 5.7 clearances per game.

Her hard work was rewarded with a spot on the St Kilda AFLW list and will come into the night as red-hot favourite to win the Best & Fairest award.

Runner Up Favourite: Grace Buchan

The ex-Collingwood VFLW captain showed her leadership and slotted straight into our defence, often proving to be impenetrable and influential down back.

In her first season she acquired the ninth most disposals in the VFLW (271, 16.9 per game), the fourth most marks (62, 3.9 per game) plus the sixth most kicks (201, 12.6 per game).

It could be set to be a tight race between herself and Stuart for the B&F award.

Smokey: Winnie Laing

Coming back to the ground where she spent her entire NAB League career following a brief stint at AFLW level, Laing was an invaluable asset to us on the wing.

Often being the link between defence and attack, as well as bringing plenty of pressure, the ex-Carlton player averaged 15 disposals, 8.9 kicks, three marks & 4.2 tackles per game this season.

Having played consistently throughout the year Laing is also likely to poll well.

Dark Horse: Madi Capsalis

After missing the majority of the first half of the season, Capsalis came straight back into the side and enhanced an already strong midfield.

Providing a strong presence in each contest alongside the likes of Stuart and Neaves, she averaged 14.3 disposals, 4.5 tackles & four clearances per game.

Whilst missing games early on might hurt her case a little bit, she is a massive chance to poll votes later on with her ending to 2022.

Other awards presented on the night will include the Best Emerging Player, Coaches Award, Sainter of the Year as well as the Extra Mile Award.

Written by Joshua Ward - Sandringham Football Club Media