SARA Howley has been crowned the Geelong Falcons Girls’ 2022 best-and-fairest following a thrilling count on Friday night.
Despite not polling a vote in the Falcons’ Country final loss to Dandenong Stingrays, the Newtown & Chilwell product held on to beat Keeley Hardingham by three votes.
Howley, who still has two more years of NAB League eligibility, was on 102 votes heading into the clash with the Stingrays, 13 clear of Hardingham.
However, the talented ruck could manage only 10 votes in the final to finish on 99.
Forward Lizzy Dowling finished third on 88 votes, with Mekah Morrissy (75) and Analea McKee (63) rounding out the top five.
Grace Purcell, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in Round 6, led the count after four rounds, with her 51 votes enough to finish sixth.
Ash van Loon was honoured with the Amy Gorell Players’ Award, while Kara Stacey received the Coaches Award.
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