Carlton midfielder Dayna Finn has taken out the Blues’ coveted Best and Fairest award for her outstanding 2025 season, just over a week after she pulled on her maiden All-Australian blazer.
Averaging over 21 disposals, 347 meters gained and almost four score involvements per game, the Irish star was a revelation for the young Blues outfit.
Finn has also been named as the best finals player for her efforts in the Club’s first finals series in five years, where she scored multiple goals in each game.
A cross-code athlete, Finn has also been previously named as Women's Standout Irish Player of the Year in 2023, for Basketball.
It is a stellar rise for the elite winger, who only arrived in Australia two years ago.
Harriet Cordner also earned her spot on the podium after a blistering season in the backline, which also saw her receive her first All-Australian blazer.
Spending 99.8% of time on ground this season, Cordner has been in career-best form, leading the competition for intercept possessions (9.5) and intercept marks (3.7)
Erone Fitzpatrick rounded out her comeback year with a third-place finish in the Best and Fairest, as well as an All-Australian squad nomination.
Cementing her spot back in the side, Fitzpatrick dazzled in the midfield, linking up with her Irish teammate in Finn, with the duo becoming a formidable force in the midfield.
Fitzpatrick's blistering pace was on show in the side's Round 3 win against the Brisbane Lions, where she collected 18 disposals, kicked two goals whilst laying eight tackles.
The 25-year-old truly earned the respect of her teammates and coaches, also being named the Most Valuable Bluebagger.
Maddy Hendrie, a quiet achiever but an impactful player, earned the coaches award for the immense effort she showed in all 15 matches in 2025.
Rising star duo Poppy Scholz and Sophie McKay were named as joint winners for the Rookie of the Year award, the first time in Carlton AFLW history that the award has had joint winners.
Both players have been consistent and reliable, featuring in every game of their debut seasons and holding their own playing up against some of the competitors' best, while also bringing an energy that was infectious for not only their teammates but the Carlton faithful.
In just their first season at the highest level, they have both emerged as key contributors in the Carlton side.
Senior Coach Mathew Buck said every player was truly deserving of their award.
"This year, we’ve seen exceptional growth across the group, and we’re incredibly proud of the efforts of every single player," Buck said.
"Dayna Finn has been a standout performer and thoroughly earned the Best and Fairest award. Her impact in just three years is remarkable and makes her an inspiration for so many young people aspiring to play at the highest level.
"Elite in every aspect, Dayna’s grit and determination to become the best footballer she can has been nothing short of impressive. The Club is proud of everything she has achieved so far in her short time in AFLW.
“The program we have on offer, which has really seen the players thrive, is a testament to the players and staff who have fostered such a positive, supportive and inclusive environment.”
2025 Carlton AFLW awards
Winner: Dayna Finn
Second place: Harriet Cordner
Third place: Erone Fitzpatrick
Equal fourth place: Poppy Scholz and Maddy Hendrie
Fifth place: Sophie McKay
Most Valuable BlueBagger: Erone Fitzpatrick
Best Finals Player: Dayna Finn
Coaches Award: Maddy Hendrie
Rookie of the Year: Poppy Scholz and Sophie McKay
