36-year-old rookie named AFLPA best player

A brilliant season from 36-year-old Greater Western Sydney recruit Courtney Gum has been rewarded with the title of the AFL Players’ Association’s most valuable player.

The South Australian, who only took up the sport at 29, had an outstanding first year in AFLW, helping the Giants rise up the ladder.

She polled 219 votes to beat Melbourne’s Karen Paxman (150) and Adelaide’s Chelsea Randall (128).

Curiously, Gum missed out on the best first year player award, pipped by Collingwood’s Chloe Molloy.

Crows co-captain Randall was named the league’s most courageous player for the second year running, while Demons skipper Daisy Pearce was the players’ choice as the league’s best captain, having also won the award last year.

The league's official awards, including the MVP, rising star and All Australian announcements, are held on Tuesday night.

Best winners

1) Courtney Gum, GWS Giants – 219

2) Karen Paxman, Melbourne Demons – 150

3) Chelsea Randall, Adelaide Crows - 128

AFLW Players’ Best First Year Player Award, proudly presented by The Line

1) Chloe Molloy, Collingwood Magpies – 84

2) Courtney Gum, GWS Giants – 79

3) Sophie Conway, Brisbane Lions - 10

Most Courageous, proudly presented by Vifor Pharma

1) Chelsea Randall, Adelaide Crows – 90

2) Courtney Gum, GWS Giants – 35

3) Katie Loynes, Carlton Blues - 33

Best Captain, proudly presented by KPMG

1) Daisy Pearce, Melbourne Demons – 55

2) Amanda Farrugia, GWS Giants – 47

3) Brianna Davey, Carlton Blues – 42