Yeronga’s Kate Lutkins is the 2013 SEQAFL Women’s League best and fairest winner.
Yeronga captain, Kate Lutkins, has been awarded the SEQAFL Women’s League best and fairest.
Lutkins claimed the honour with 16 votes, only one vote ahead of Palm Beach’s Leah Kaslar and Griffith Moorooka’s Samantha Virgo on 15.
The midfielder polled top votes in four games, in Rounds 1,3, 11 and 13 and picked up two votes in Round seven and Round 12.
The award caps off a stellar season for the 24 year-old, who was selected by the Western Bulldogs at #28 in the inaugural AFL women’s draft to play in the first AFL-sanctioned women’s exhibition match on the MCG.
Lutkins was also a member of the Queensland side that played in the 2013 national women’s championships in May.
A brilliant representative carnival saw Lutkins included as the only Queenslander in the All-Australian side, also claiming the side’s MVP and players’ player awards.
Despite having such an incredible year, Lutkins said she couldn’t believe she claimed the award this year.
“There was never a point where I thought I got this or had a chance,” she said.
“It was touch and go all the way.
“It was a very tough season, there are a lot of good girls out there this season.”
While playing at the MCG was the highlight of her season, Lutkins said her Yeronga teammates were the reason she kept playing footy.
“Playing against that calibre of players at the MCG was unbelievable, but I will always come back to playing for my team Yeronga, they get me through every day.”
Lutkins is a talented sportswoman outside of Australian football, also preparing to represent Australia at the Futsal World Cup in Colombia in November.
Lutkins has the chance to couple her best and fairest award with a premiership, when the Devils play in the Women’s League Division One grand final on Sunday August 18 at Kedron.
The best and fairest award headed a number of awards handed out at tonight’s women’s league presentation.
Coorparoo’s Maddie Protheroe snagged the league’s rising star award, after a standout first season.
Protheroe was an U-18 state representative and found a natural affinity for footy in her first season in the sport.
Zillmere’s Cassi Bell was awarded the league’s leading goal kicker award.
Bell finished the season with 42 goals, seven goals ahead of Griffith Moorooka’s Jenna Vandyk (35).
