2026 VFLW Best and Fairest Recap

21/09/2026

Charlotte Taylor is crowned the 2026 VFLW Best & Fairest.

2026 First Place, Charlotte Taylor

In her first year at Sandringham, Charlotte Taylor was awarded the 2026 VFLW Best & Fairest with 101 votes.

Taylor averaged 16.1 disposals, 7.6 tackles, and 4.2 clearances. Playing 13 of 14 possible games during the season, Taylor’s best performance came during our Round Three clash against Carlton, when she finished with 20 disposals, seven tackles and four inside-50s, earning her maximum votes. Our Round 13 clash against the reigning Premiers North Melbourne Werribee saw Taylor poll 17 votes (of a possible 20) with 17 disposals, three score involvements and seven tackles. Taylor’s ability to apply elite pressure, work rate and skill in the middle established her as a consistent and influential presence throughout the season, proving why she was the top-voted Zebra.

2026 Runner Up, Grace Hodder

Captain Grace Hodder finished Runner Up, polling 76 votes. An injury-interrupted season saw Hodder play only five games in 2026, averaging 20 disposals, 9.8 tackles and 4.4 clearances. During those first five games, Hodder consistently performed at a remarkable level. One of her standout performances came against Williamstown in Round Five, with 24 disposals, 18 tackles and one goal earning her the maximum 20 votes. Hodder also shone with 19 votes during the triumphant win in Round Four against the Cats with 26 disposals, 10 tackles and five marks. Despite only featuring in five games, Hodder’s runner-up finish reflected the immense impact the Zebs Captain has whenever she takes the field.

2026 Third Place, Courtney Aughtie

Courtney Aughtie finished third in the vote count with 72 votes and season averages of 12.5 disposals, 5.2 goals and 8.6 hit-outs. The versatile defender/forward/ruck also took home the Dazzler of the Year, a player-voted award for the Zeb who consistently demonstrated the club’s values. Aughtie’s best performance came against the Cats in our Round Four 22-point win, kicking a game-high three goals and playing a pivotal role in the big win. Injuries during the season saw Aughtie playing across all three lines, demonstrating her ability to adapt and make an impact wherever the team needed her - a top-three finish a fitting reward for her consistency and hard work during the season.

2026 Leading Goal Kicker, Zoe Barbakos

Zoe Barbakos was awarded Sandringham’s Leading Goal Kicker for 2026 with a total of 12 goals. Barbakos starred against North Melbourne Werribee, with a season-high haul of four goals. The small forward proved to be a constant threat, producing important moments when the side needed it the most.

2026 Best First Year Player, Sunday Hollingsworth

Sunday Hollingsworth was awarded Best First Year Player, with an average of 11.7 disposals, 2.1 goals and 10.4 tackles. Hollingsworth’s best performance came against the Western Bulldogs in our Round 11 clash, producing a season-high 18 tackles and 14 disposals. Hollingsworth’s switch from elite trampolining proved a successful one, quickly establishing herself as an exciting young talent in her first season at the Zebs and finishing fifth in the overall vote count.

2026 Most Courageous Player, Sophie Casey

The trophy for the Most Courageous Player was awarded to Sophie Casey. The medium defender shone during our Round 13 clash against North Melbourne Werribee. Collecting 13 disposals, seven clearances and five tackles, earning her 10 votes. Casey’s fearless approach and willingness to put her body on the line made her a reliable presence throughout the season.

The summary of the on-field award winners for the night:

Leading Goal Kicker (12 goals) – Zoe Barbakos

Best First Year Player – Sunday Hollingsworth

Most Courageous Player – Sophie Casey

The winners of the off-field awards were:

Extra Mile Award – Cameron Pope

Best Club Person (Eric Mackenzie Memorial Trophy) – Grace Hodder

Dazzler of the Year – Courtney Aughtie

Congratulations to all our award winners!

VFLW Top Ten

1. Charlotte Taylor – 101

2. Grace Hodder – 76