Collingwood foundation player Brit Bonnici has been awarded the Club’s 2025 AFLW Best and Fairest, receiving the honour for the second time in three years.
Finishing off her tenth season in the black and white, Bonnici polled an AFLW Club record with an incredible 181 votes despite missing the final game of the season.
Bonnici impressed in her 10th AFLW season with her best season yet, leading the side in average disposals (23), totalling 127 contested possessions and 98 tackles.
Bonnici is now a dual Club Best and Fairest winner, adding to her 2023 honour. She becomes just the second AFLW Collingwood player to win the award multiple times, following former Pie Jamie Lambert, who claimed it on three occasions.
The 28-year-old has gone on to play 77 games for Collingwood, celebrating her 75th milestone in Round 9 against St Kilda this year.
Collingwood AFLW Senior Coach Sam Wright congratulated Bonnici on her season.
“This award is a reflection of not only Brit's incredible season, but the example she sets every day for her teammates,” Wright said.
“Week after week, she rose to the challenge, drove the team forward and selflessly gave her all on and off the field.
“Being a two-time recipient of this award speaks volumes about her dedication to be able to achieve this level of consistency and excellence.
“Brit takes everyone on the journey with her and sets the standard for professionalism and passion for our great game.”
Defender Tarni White came in second with 122 votes, which saw her efforts be recognised by the league after being named in the 44-player All-Australian squad for the first time in her career this season.
In third place was 20-year-old Lucy Cronin, who polled 77 votes. Remarkably, in just her second season at AFLW level Cronin has already secured back-to-back top three finishes for the Club.
First-year player Ash Centra claimed fourth position with 62 votes. Centra averaged 14 disposals and kicked six majors from her eight appearances in her maiden AFLW season. Her impact was further recognised with selection in the AFLPA's final 22under22 team.
Rounding out the top five vote-getters was veteran Imogen Barnett, who received 57 votes and was also awarded the Fly Higher Award, which recognises a drive for excellence as an individual for the team.
In other awards presented, the Club’s Player’s Player Award went to Captain Ruby Schleicher, and the Best Academy Player Award went to Lucy Cronin, which recognises the most outstanding athlete within the Club’s Academy program for first to fourth years players.
To end the night, the programs Women’s Football Property Coordinator Nick Herbert was presented with the Side by Side award which acknowledges the Best Club person as voted by players and staff.
