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AFLW star Garner claims another big prize

3 minute read

Jasmine Garner is among the top picks to be named AFLW's best-and-fairest player after adding North Melbourne's top award to her growing trophy cabinet.

EMMA KEARNEY. Picture: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

North Melbourne star Jasmine Garner is a warm favourite to take out the AFLW best-and-fairest award next week after adding another major prize to her impressive list of individual accolades.

The 25-year-old claimed the Kangaroos' best-and-fairest award on Friday night, narrowly edging out captain Emma Kearney.

The club prize came after Garner had already won player of the year honours from both the AFLW players' and coaches' associations.

It puts her in the box seat for the game's most coveted individual award when the AFLW best-and-fairest winner is announced on Tuesday night.

The versatile and consistent Garner was superb as North Melbourne topped Conference A and earned a spot in a preliminary final before the 2020 season was cancelled because of the coronavirus outbreak.

Garner polled with 112 votes, with Kearney second on 111.

Tenacious midfielder Ash Riddell (107), Jenna Bruton (101) and Irish recruit Aileen Gilroy (83) rounded out the top five.

"I'm honestly very honoured to win this award," Garner said.

"I couldn't thank the club enough and all the staff and the coaches, and especially the girls.

"I'm not able to play the footy I do without the playing group so I just want to thank you girls for letting me play the footy I do."

Garner's outstanding 2020 campaign came after a switch from the forward line to the midfield.

"The midfielders we have in there, my job is made quite easy," she said.

"When you have someone like (Kearney) playing alongside you ... you just feel so much more confident."

Garner will face opposition for the AFLW best-and-fairest award from Jaimee Lambert (Collingwood), Karen Paxman (Melbourne), Madison Prespakis (Carlton) and Kiara Bowers (Fremantle).