Our latest season review visits one of 2023's feel-good stories.
Georgia Nanscawen
Avgs: 18 disposals, eight tackles, five clearances
11 games
Georgia Nanscawen's AFLW return was a huge boost for Essendon’s 2023 campaign.
The club’s inaugural AFLW signing, Nanscawen had been kept out of action in Season Seven after suffering an ACL tear in Essendon’s 2022 VFLW Grand Final victory.
Nanscawen slotted back into the mix seamlessly with 21 disposals and six clearances in her club debut against the Hawks, receiving the maximum three AFLW best and fairest votes.
Round four marked a special occasion as the 31-year-old stepped up to boot her first ever AFLW goal in a big win over Dockers, sparking jubilant scenes from teammates and crowd alike.
Nanscawen saved her best for the second half of the season, averaging 21 disposals over the club’s final six games, including a mammoth 20-disposal, 17-tackle outing against the Eagles in round eight.
Arguably the side’s best performer in the elimination final loss to the Cats, Nanscawen’s ground-ball ability and toughness was a vital asset throughout the season.
The midfielder's successful return was rewarded with a fourth-place finish in the Bombers' Best and Fairest, a fitting reflection of her importance to the side.
An experienced leader within an emerging group, Nanscawen will already be looking to better herself again and set the tone in 2024.