Carlton’s Bella Ayre has been named the 2017 NAB AFL Women’s Rising Star at the W Awards this evening.

The 18-year-old was nominated for the accolade alongside teammate Tilly Lucas-Rodd following her performance in Carlton’s Round 5 match against the Western Bulldogs.

During that hit-out the youngster booted two goals and gathered eight possessions to finish among Carlton’s best.


Teammates Bella Ayre and Tilly Lucas-Rodd impressed during the first season of AFLW. (Photo: AFL Media)

Prior to her first season in the navy blue, Ayre represented Victoria Country in the 2016 National Under 18 Competition and was selected in the All-Australian team.

Ayre was selected by Carlton with pick number 51 from Bendigo Thunder in the Victorian Women’s Football League where she had previously finished runner-up in the Club’s best and fairest.

As the 2017 NAB AFL Women’s Rising Star, the Blues’ key forward has become another part of AFLW history.