WITH the AFL Women’s season coming to a close, clubs are starting to award their club champions, recognising the stars of the season.

In this new series from Rookie Me Central, we take a look at the seasons of each best and fairest winner and what led them to have such stellar seasons. 

In the next edition of our series, we look at a rising star at Sydney, Sofia Hurley who claimed her maiden Swans Best and Fairest.

The 20-year-old won the award, polling 370 votes to finish ahead of co-captain Lucy McEvoy and midfielder Laura Gardiner. Irish player Tanya Kennedy and youngster Cynthia Hamilton rounded out the top five of the count.

She played all 11 games spending more time in the midfield this season having put more time into her game. She averaged 20 disposals and seven tackles in her breakthrough season, she continues her growth in the competition having played all games in her three years at Sydney.

Hurley also won the AFLW Players’ Player award from the Swans’ night of nights, demonstrating how integral she has become to the team this season. Recognised for her season individually, she was selected in the 2024 All-Australian squad but did not make the final team.

With the Swans finishing in 15th this year, the continual growth of young players such as Hurley will be imperative to their hope of rising back up the ladder. The sheer number of changes at the club will also mean that the players that have stayed at Sydney will need to be consistent while the recruits settle into their new club.