2021 Anytime Fitness Women’s Rising Star: Shortlist

Five VAFA women’s players have been shortlisted and remain in the running to win the 2021 Anytime Fitness Women’s Rising Star Award later this month.

Congratulations to the following players:

• Madeleine Di Cosmo (Marcellin)
• Eve Sheehan (MUWFC)
• Marguerite Purcell (Caulfield Grammarians)
• Carla Barics (Aquinas)
• Caley Ryan (Beaumaris FC)

Madeleine Di Cosmo (Marcellin) – Round 1

The first nominee for the season, Di Cosmo went from strength to strength in the Eagles’ backline and was named in the minor premiers’ best players eight times – more than any other Marcellin player.

What the club said: “Madeleine is a hard-working player with good skills who excels around the contest. She plays like Dustin Martin and former Eagle Ellie Gavalas.”

Eve Sheehan (MUWFC) – Round 4

The Melbourne Uni WFC livewire was nominated following her BOG performance – which included three goals – against Fitzroy-ACU. She played nine games, kicked six goals and was named in the best five times behind only Lucy Watkin on six.

What the club said: “This is Eve’s first season of senior footy after coming through our juniors. We love her in our side but hopefully she’ll end up on a VFLW list next year so we’ll enjoy her while we can! Has a bit of Prespakis about her but hopefully she doesn’t read this and get a big head.”

Marguerite Purcell (Caulfield Grammarians) – Round 5

Purcell received her nomination following Caulfield’s 26-point win over Old Xavs. She played 11 games down back and was named in the best four times for the William Buck Premier Women’s finalists.

What the club said: “Margie has been one of the many shining lights for CGFC this year, with her fierce work in the contest and a never-give-up attitude in defence, she compliments her desperate defensive efforts with her incredible pace and drive off the half-back line – echoing many similarities to the GWS Giant’s Elle Bennetts or Geelong’s Tom Stewart.”

Carla Barics (Aquinas) – Round 10

It was an amazing year for the Premier C grand finalists, capped off with Baric’s nomination in Round 10. Barics played all 11 games and was named in the best an equal team high six times.

What the club said: “Her intercept marking in the backline and attack on the footy is like Brisbane Lions CHB Kate Lutkins and add her exceptional foot skills as well she resembles Tom Stewart from Geelong.”

Caley Ryan (Beaumaris) – Round 11

The second Shark to be nominated this year, Ryan received her plaudits when she was named BOG for a third time in their thrilling four-point win over Old Camberwell. She was named in the best a whopping seven times from her 10 games.

What the club said: “Caley is renowned for being loud and proud around the club. Before games on a Saturday, if you can’t hear her singing high school musical at the top of her lungs during a warm-up, she probably hasn’t arrived yet.”