Through a challenging 2025 campaign, the Dons saw some remarkable individual performances rise to the surface, and Thursday night’s Best and Fairest will see a celebration of these individual efforts. 

Watch Essendon’s Best and Fairest medal count LIVE from 7:00pm (AEDT) here,

The night at W Melbourne will also acknowledge Essendon’s eight league debutants who made their mark in the 2025 season. 
 
We look back at some individual player highlights from the year that was: 
 
 
Amy Gaylor  
A true contender to add a third accolade to her name after an All-Australian Squad inclusion and 22Under22 recognition, Amy Gaylor has had a year to remember. 

02:03

2025 Leadership Announcement | Amy Gaylor

Hear from Emerging Leader Amy Gaylor ahead of the 2025 AFLW season.


 
In only her second year in the league, she has produced some outstanding performances across the 2025 season. 
 
Round two saw the Dons take on West Coast at Windy Hill, with the Bombers bagging the win for the side’s first home game of the season. Playing her part in what was a nail-biting finish to the end, Gaylor showcased her versatility and influence with six marks, eight tackles and six clearances.  
 
Round ten against the Lions saw Gaylor move back into the backline, where her impressive aerial prowess for her height was on show. Adding 24 disposals to her name, Gaylor was a constant for the side in defeat. 
 
 
Grace Belloni 
Although this Don’s first season was cut short due to injury, Grace Belloni has had an exceptional debut year. 

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AFLW Rd 1 | Belloni pounces on the footy to nail first AFLW goal

Grace Belloni pops up at the right time to kick a stunning goal after some forward pressure from Essendon

Opening her account in round one against the Giants, Belloni kicked her first ever AFLW goal, assisting the side into their first win of the season.  
 
Consistency was key for Belloni with a solid first year in the books. Averaging almost 13 disposals across the season in the midfield and filling a role up forward at different stages, Belloni is one to watch in the years to come.  
 

Georgia Nanscawen  
In an inspired 2025, Georgia Nanscawen has embodied what it is to be a Don. 

02:53

AFLW Dreamtime | Nanscawen post-game

Hear from Georgia Nanscawen following her stand out performance in Essendon's Dreamtime win over Richmond in Darwin.

 
Wearing the sash with pride, Nanscawen showed professionalism and courage throughout a turbulent season and hit career-best form. 
 
Round four against the Cats was a standout game for the midfielder, claiming 32 disposals. Although not taking home the win, Nanscawen displayed incredible strength and fight.  
 
To top her season off, Nanscawen piled 18 tackles on the Swans in torrential conditions in round 12, where the Dons took home the win. 
 
 
Bonnie Toogood 
Co-captain Bonnie Toogood again led from the front in 2025. 

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AFLW Rd 12 | Deadlock finally broken as Toogood curls the first in wet conditions

Bonnie Toogood earns the free kick in the marking contest and snaps the opening major of the match close to half-time.

 
Alongside Steph Cain, Toogood maintained a positive attitude throughout the 2025 season. Shining against the top sides, Toogood bagged 20 disposals against North Melbourne in an improved performance from the group. 
 
The forward’s outing against the Demons in round eight was also a standout with seven marks, while her best scoreboard effort came with two key majors against the Eagles back in round two. 
 
 
Maddy Prespakis  
As one of side’s most experienced and decorated players, Maddy Prespakis continued to prove her influence on the field in 2025. 

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AFLW Rd 8 | Prespakis post-game

Hear from Maddy Prespakis following Essendon's loss to Melbourne.

 
Opening the season up with seven clearances from her 26 touches against the Giants, the midfielder was dominant to kick off the campaign. 
 
Although a tight game got away from the Bombers, round eight at IKON Park saw the midfielder walk away with a season-high 29 disposals and six marks.  
 
Prespakis went on to play nearly every game of the 2025 season, with a season average of 23 disposals per game to lead all Bombers alongside Nanscawen. 
 
 
Sophie Alexander 
Reaching her 75-game milestone in 2025, experienced forward Sophie Alexander made an impact on the scoreboard this season.  

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AFLW Rd 12 | Quick Alexander snap skids all the way as Swans get nervous

Sophie Alexander gathers cleanly and her curling shot bounces the journey as Sydney's finals hopes slowly dwindle.

 
Putting away eight goals across all 12 games, Alexander lived up to her nickname ‘Magic’ with a notable performance in round two against West Coast, where her late mark and goal was the decisive moment in the piece. 
 
A constant in the forward line, Alexander is a culture driver amongst the team and has continued to exhibit her experience on and off the field in 2025. 
 
 
Georgia Gee 
Gee was the gamebreaker in a stellar win over the Tigers in Dreamtime. 

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AFLW Dreamtime | Gee goals after 'great thinking from Prespaskis'

Georgia Gee nails a sweet dribble goal after Maddy Prespakis delivers a classy assist.

 
Along with her 15 touches and an early goal, it was her brilliant dribbling effort in the final term which effectively sealed the contest, securing a third win in a row for the Club. 
 
After a short stint on the sidelines due to a head collision in round five, Gee returned with some standout performances, most notably in round 11. 
 
The Dons took on the Hawks at Windy Hill, where despite the loss, forward Georgia Gee rose to the occasion. She added a season-best 24 disposals and five marks to her name in a strong finish to the year.