The Goulburn Murray Women and Girls League wrapped up following tense grand final affairs, yet the best-and-fairest count was equally gripping.

On Friday night, the league’s best players, coaches and administrators were recognised for the season gone by, where Moama’s youth girls team and Shepparton United’s women’s side recorded maiden premierships.

Premiership Magpie Shaleah Cooper claimed her third Brit Tancred Medal (youth girls best-and-fairest) following wins in 2022 and 2023.

The skipper, who kicked two goals in the grand final win this year, tallied 33 votes in the count.

In the senior women’s count, Echuca’s Tori Russell polled 25 votes in a close count to win the Chris Thomas Medal.

Russell was one of the most consistent performers in 2025, polling in the best 11 times throughout the season — more than any other player — and placed equal-third in the goal-kicking count despite playing regular midfield minutes.

Premiership Demon Paige Baksh held the title for goal-kicking overall, however, snagging 24 majors for the home and away season before adding another three in finals.

It’s the second goal-kicking gong Baksh has claimed in the past three seasons, with her previous winning effort coming while she played for Echuca.

In 2022 and 2024, Baksh finished runner-up in the goals tally.

Moama achieved the best-and-fairest and leading goal-kicking double in the youth girls awards, as a dominant year for Ruby McLeod left no competition close to her scoreboard destruction.

The Magpies forward kicked 36 goals for the season and 39 when including finals, more than doubling the next highest goal-kicker in the competition.

Moama also notched a third award on the night, with Jane Millar earning Volunteer of the Year, while Nathalia’s Colleen Lewer won the other off-field award as Administrator of the Year.

Echuca’s playing coach Kate Dixon won the Coach of the Year after taking her side to an 11-1 record and minor premiership in the home and away season, while Barooga’s Madelynn Price won the Rising Star Award.

AFL Goulburn Murray women and girls co-ordinator Sammy Heron said the night was a success.

“It was fantastic to see representatives from each club in attendance,” Heron said.

“We now switch our focus to planning for season 2026 and the continued growth of our competition.”

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Wednesday, 3rd May 2023

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