Riddell highlighted her connection with captain Jasmine Garner, who was part of her bridal party.
“We just make each other better, we’re byproducts of each other on the field and we have some really good times off the field as well,” she said.
Captain Kangaroo: Jas Garner earns eighth All-Australian blazer, Zippy Fish is rising star
Jasmine Garner enhanced her reputation as a giant of the AFLW on Monday night, earning the captaincy of the All-Australian team for the third time and a record-equalling eighth selection in the team of the year, while Sydney livewire Zippy Fish won the league’s Rising Star award.
The honour illustrates the remarkable impact Garner has had on the AFLW, which will conclude its 10th season with the grand final on Saturday where she and teammate Emma Kearney – the league’s other eight-time All-Australian – will be attempting to guide North Melbourne to back-to-back premierships.
Jasmine Garner was named captain of the All-Australian team for the third time. Credit: AFL Photos via Getty Images
Three other Kangaroos joined Garner (ruck-rover) in the line-up – rover Ash Riddell, centre-half forward Tahlia Randall and Blaithin Bogue (interchange).
“I’m feeling a little bit old,” Garner laughed when asked about her eighth All-Australian team selection.
“I love what I do and I’m so lucky and I just try to enjoy the ride.”
Fish capped her rookie season by edging out Carlton’s Poppy Scholtz, while Indy Tahau won the award as the league’s leading goal-kicker.
Speaking on stage after her Rising Star win, Fish thanked her parents for helping her achieve her AFLW dream.
“I think I’ve turned out to be a really good person as well, so thank you to them,” she said.
Fish – a Larrakia, Wongi, Noongar and Nunga woman – is known for her aerial ability, athleticism and explosive pace, which is fitting given her speedy nickname.
The explosive midfielder made her debut in round one against Richmond and featured in all 12 matches for the Swans this season, averaging 21 disposals per game.
Ashton Ferreira (left) and Zippy Fish of the Swans.Credit: Getty Images
North enter the grand final against the Brisbane Lions as raging favourites, undefeated this season and chasing their 27th consecutive win.
The stretch includes last year’s grand final win over the Lions – when Garner was adjudged best on ground. In fact, North’s most recent loss was in the 2023 grand final, also against Brisbane.
The Lions had defender Jennifer Dunne selected in the last line of defence of the All-Australian team and Courtney Hodder at the other end of the field, while beaten preliminary finalists Melbourne (Maeve Chaplin, Tyla Hanks and Kate Hore) and Carlton (Harriet Cordner and Dayna Finn) were also well represented as 12 of the 18 clubs had at least one player on the team.
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The inclusion of imports Dunne, Bogue, along with their Irish compatriots Niamh McLaughlin (Gold Coast) and Aine McDonagh (Hawthorn) showed the stunning impact the Emerald Isle continues to have on the women’s game.
A host of other AFLW awards are set to be announced on Monday night, including the league’s prestigious best and fairest gong.
More to come
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