It was a surprise win for the division three women’s best and fairest winner Brittany Grech on Wednesday 14 September, so much so, she wasn’t there on the night to accept the award.
The Croydon North MLOC player said she hadn’t even expected to be part of the top five but when she was invited as a guest to the Eastern Football Netball League’s best and fairest evening, she chose to attend a work conference instead, positive she didn’t have a chance of winning.
“It came as a big surprise even to get a text message the week before last inviting me to the night so I just wasn’t expecting it,” she said.
“I thought maybe I played a couple of good games but when I got a message yesterday saying, ‘Oh my God Brit you actually won’, I was quite surprised. I was on the way out for dinner with my friends on our work trip and I just said ‘let’s go and celebrate’.”
This was the first time she had won a best and fairest medal for a league competition, having previously been awarded top goal scorer.
“I’ve been playing footy for the last 15 years now and nothing like this has ever come of it,” she said.
Coming into the season late due to an ankle injury, Brittany only played nine games but proved to be an important asset to the midfield.
Her experience playing in the VFLW certainly has helped her skill level and ability on the field but Brittany said she just enjoys playing in a less pressured environment.
“I’m just there for fun. I’m there as a hobby. I’m not here to take it too seriously and I just really enjoy being around the girls.
“So I think coming in with that attitude and bringing fun back into my footy makes me play a lot better.”
While pleased to receive the best and fairest, Brittany also gave so much credit to the rest of her team and fellow players who came runners up, Natalie Laurie and Gabrielle Zappia.
“I thought Nat was going to take it out. She’s amazing. She’s the best backline on the team and across the board.
“And especially Gab, she’s the main goal scorer in the team and we all rely on her to kick the goals and strive for that win.”
Brittany said she is looking forward to getting back to Melbourne to celebrate with the team and getting back onto the footy field next season.
