ARARAT Storm product Georgia Clarke capped off a strong TAC Cup Girls season by winning the Greater Western Victoria Rebels best and fairest award on Friday.
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Rebels Girls talent coordinator Krista Woodroofe said Clarke had been consistent throughout the Rebels campaign.
“In terms of her improvement as a footballer and leader on the field she really went above and beyond this season,” Woodroofe said.
“There was some real quality in our side but her strong performances each game allowed her to stand out.”
She took out the award ahead of captain Lauren Butler and Sophie Molan. Dimboola’s Stephanie Glover won the under-16 rookie award.
Clarke’s strong form saw her make her debut for Geelong’s VFLW side in its round four win against Carlton.
Woodroofe said it was especially exciting to play alongside Clarke in her first game at the level on a weekend when three rebels made their debuts.
“She was pretty happy to get the call up and then really took it in her stride during the game,” she said.
“It’s probably harder to come into a side’s backline more than any other position because they work so much together as a group but she transitioned without any worry.
“It was a credit to her but also a credit to how she has been coached.”
The Rebels girls finished their season in May in fifth position on the ladder with six wins and three losses.
Woodroofe said the club was happy with how the season had unfolded.
“As a country-based club we were only able to touch base with the girls once a week,” she said.
“For the rest of the time we leave them to their own devices to continue on with their training, skill execution and improvement.
“I think if it was a longer season we would have seen even more improvement.”
She said the the club was already looking ahead to next season.
“We’ve got a few player, coaching and administration evaluations to do to make sure we continue to be well resourced to create a better environment for these young footballers,” she said.
“I think the improvements across all the TAC regions with the introduction of the sole female talent coordinators really injected more experience into women’s footy.
“It’s exciting to continue moving forward.”
