Simpson polled 30 votes to finish seven clear of the pack, with Osborne coach Sally Hunter (23) and her team-mate Caren Hugo (22) second and third respectively.

Simpson's performances helped the Crows finish fourth on the ladder with a 13-3 record before the season was cancelled.

The award is her latest success since returning to the club where she played as a junior, having won back-to-back flags in 2018 and 2019.

"I'm really honoured," Simpson said. "I never expected to get it.

"I was shocked when I got asked to go to the vote count, let alone actually winning it.

"I've had an absolute blast this year so that really tops the season off.

"In my first season back home with the Crows, I got badly injured and in my second season, I wasn't fully confident on my ankle.

"I was a bit hesitant but this year I just had a blast.

"I think having a year off made a massive difference for me and reignited my love of the game.

"I really missed it last year and I think a lot of people locally did.

"I got a massive boost of passion this year and hopefully that was reflected in my game."

ALSO IN SPORT

Murray Magpies' Hannah Azzi was fourth on the leaderboard with 21 votes, one ahead of Lockhart player Olivia Lang.

Then came Emma Pargeter (19) and Erin Haberecht (18) for Howlong, the latter tying with Sophia Kohlhagen (18), of Rand-Walbundrie-Walla, for seventh place.

Fellow Giant Jessica Kotzur and Lockhart's Ruby Bouffler completed the top-10 after polling 17 and 16 votes respectively.

Kohlhagen also won the Rising Star award, while Howlong's Alannah Cusack was named B-grade best-and-fairest.

There was another win for Howlong in C-grade, with Brittany Wright best-and-fairest, while Lockhart's Helene Nimmo claimed the C Reserve title.

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