Port Adelaide ruck Matilda Scholz has claimed her second consecutive Best and Fairest award, capping off a dominant season in which she starred across all 12 home and away games. 

The club’s best and fairest event was held on Monday at SkyCity, celebrating the most important contributors from the 2025 AFLW season.  

Scholz was a clear winner, polling 118 votes to finish nine ahead of runner-up Ash Woodland, who impressed with an outstanding season through the midfield. 

League-leading goal kicker Indy Tahau finished third on 95 votes, while Teagan Germech and Ella Heads (91 votes) tied for fourth.

Across the season, Scholz averaged 17 disposals at 52.5 per cent efficiency, 10.6 contested possessions, 22.8 hitouts, six score involvements and four clearances per game. 

She collected 20 or more disposals on three occasions, including a season-high 22 against Gold Coast and 21 against Hawthorn. 

The 2024 Rising Star winner was particularly dominant in the clash with the Hawks, recording 34 hitouts and booting four goals in a standout performance. 

At just 20 years of age, Scholz continues to establish herself as one of the most influential players in the competition, with her athleticism, aerial presence, and football intelligence setting her apart as a genuine star of the game. 

Her standout season was further recognised with selection in the AFLW All-Australian squad of 42, and a top 10 finish in the AFL Coaches’ Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year.  

“It’s been said multiple times, I have to thank my teammates, I’m so grateful for you all,” Scholz said on accepting her award. 

“I always say to Loz (Lauren Arnell) that I want to be better, and I don’t want to be complacent. I’m always striving for what’s next. I wasn’t expecting this at all, it’s a privilege. 

“When we reflect on the season it was one of highs and lows, we didn’t start in the best way, but around the halfway mark we really turned it around. The future is exciting; we played some really good games of footy.” 

Scholz went onto thank her coaches Lauren Arnell, Sam Virgo, the strength and conditioning team, her partner Abbey Dowrick, her family, and departing Port Adelaide players. 

“I’d like to say a massive thank you to our coaching group. To Sam Virgo and Loz, you never stop working – without you, I wouldn’t be standing up here. 

“To our strength and conditioning team, you have made me who I am. I want to keep pushing myself and I know I can with your help. We’ve put a lot of work into my strength and running, and I’m really grateful.  

“To my family, thank you. You’re so important to me. Earlier this week we lost our beloved dog Elle, while we were heartbroken, it bought us all together and I couldn’t be more thankful for you.  

“Abs (Abbey Dowrick), we keep pushing each other to be better people and players. Without you, I wouldn’t be up here today, and who knows what the future holds, but as long as we’re together the amount of work we can do, who knows what can happen.  

“To my teammates, it’s been said so many times, but the connection that is in the room tonight, and the love and care we have for each other is next level. It warms my heart. 

“To our four departing players, you guys have left a massive mark on our program, and you’ll be missed so much.” 

Emerging midfielder Jasmine Sowden was named Best First-Year Player, as voted by senior coach Lauren Arnell, her coaching panel and head of AFLW Shane Grimm. 

The 18-year-old made her debut in Round 1 and went on to play 11 games in her first season, averaging 4.7 tackles and 7.9 disposals, and kicking her first AFLW goal against West Coast. 

Sachi Syme received the Coaches’ Award, recognising her improvement and consistency throughout the season. 

Syme featured in every possible game, averaging 12.6 disposals and earning praise for her toughness, clean disposal and ability to read the play across half-back. 

Midfielder Ella Boag was voted Players’ Player, an honour voted by her teammates for best exemplifying the team’s values both on and off the field. 

Best and Fairest leaderboard 

1. Matilda Scholz – 118
2. Ash Woodland – 109 
3. Indy Tahau – 95 
=4. Teagan Germech – 91 
=4. Ella Heads – 91 
6. Abbey Dowrick – 90 
7. Sachi Syme – 89 
8. Shineah Goody – 85 
9. Katelyn Pope – 75 
10. Gemma Houghton – 73 

AFLW award winners  

AFLW Best & Fairest – Matilda Scholz 
AFLW Best & Fairest runner-up – Ash Woodland 
AFLW Best & Fairest third place – Indy Tahau 
Best First-Year player – Jasmine Sowden 
Coaches’ Award (most improved) – Sachi Syme 
Players’ Player – Ella Boag 
Leading Goalkicker – Indy Tahau