Richelle Cranston has been rewarded for an outstanding season by winning her first VFLW Best and Fairest.

Cranston tallied 368 votes to finish ahead of fellow midfielder Maighan Fogas (333 votes) and versatile tall Maddy McMahon (325) in Thursday night’s count.

Cranston was named amongst the Cats’ best players in 14 of her 16 matches in 2018. Her ability to impact the stoppages, averaging 19.8 disposals and 5.6 tackles per game, saw her earn a place in the Swisse VFLW Team of the Year.

A prolific contested player, Fogas won plenty of the football this season, finishing second in the VFLW for total handballs and hard ball gets.

Fogas played 17 matches for the season, featuring in the best on seven occasions.

Former basketballer Maddy McMahon rounded out the top three, 43 votes behind Cranston after featuring 14 matches and kicking two goals.

Recently announced as one of two AFLW rookie signings, McMahon's versatility saw her used in all areas of the ground.

McMahon averaged 14.1 disposals, 2.7 marks and 12 hitouts per game.

Geelong VFLW captain Bec Goring (319) finished fourth, with elusive forward Mia-Rae Clifford (318) a vote further back in fifth.

Elise Coventry (309), Hannah Burchell (304), Kate Darby (302), Danielle Orr (301) and Amy McDonald (287) rounded out the top 10.


VFLW Best & Fairest top 10

1. Richelle Cranston (368 votes)
2. Maighan Fogas (333)
3. Maddy McMahon (325)
4. Bec Goring (319)
5. Mia-Rae Clifford (318)
6. Elise Coventry (309)
7. Hannah Burchell (304)
8. Kate Darby (302)
9. Danielle Orr (301)
10. Amy McDonald (287)