Alyce Parker has continued to re-write the record books at the GIANTS as she claimed her fourth consecutive Gabrielle Trainor Medal.
The 22-year-old led the vote count from start to finish to claim her fourth club champion award – the first player in GIANTS history, male or female, to do so.
The courageous midfielder finished the 10-round season on 99 votes and marked a new era for the club as emerging stars Georgia Garnett and Tarni Evans rounded out the top three. Garnett (69 votes) claimed second place in a tight finish ahead of Evans (68), with the top three all under the age of 22.
Parker averaged 23.3 disposals, 5.6 clearances, 10.3 handballs and 3.9 marks from 10 games this season, leading by example in her first season as vice-captain. She has also been named in the All-Australian squad, looking to claim her third selection in the All-Australian team.
The GIANTS Academy graduate debuted in 2019, receiving the club’s Rising Star award in her first season and has taken out the Gabrielle Trainor Medal every season since.
Head Coach Cam Bernasconi congratulated Parker on her momentous achievement.
“Alyce is a phenomenal player, and she deserves every bit of recognition she receives tonight,” Bernasconi said.
“It takes a special player to continue to perform at the elite level week-in week-out and to do that across four consecutive seasons is truly a remarkable achievement.
“She continues to set the standard in our squad and works tirelessly on her own game but also to help make others around her better.
“She is a fantastic player, an incredible person and an important leader for us – and at just 22 years old, I continue to be excited by her continued development over the coming seasons.”
Parker also received her fourth Members Choice Award at the event held at the Ivy Ballroom on Friday night.
A new-look role for Jodie Hicks saw her best finish in a Gabrielle Trainor Medal (47 votes) in fourth place, with Katherine Smith (43) rounding out the top five.
Smith capped off her best season to date in the orange and charcoal, receiving the Coaches Award, Mark of the Year (against the Suns in round 10) and a new award, the Defensive Moment of the Year for a big hit against Adelaide in round five.
Madison Brazendale topped off a stellar debut season, taking out the Rising Star Award. The 19-year-old from Tasmania debuted in round one against the Western Bulldogs and played every game of the season, showcasing her potential across the 10 games.
Alongside her third-place finish in the vote count, Evans took out Goal of the Year for her long-range bomb from outside 50 against the Hawthorn in round eight.
Garnett also received the peer-voted Jacinda Barclay Fearless Award, while Cora Staunton was recognised for a third-straight leading goal kicker award (eight goals this season) and Ally Dallaway took home the GIANTS Community Award.
Tanya Hetherington was recognised on stage after announcing her retirement before the final game of the season following 46 games across six seasons.
Staunton and captain Alicia Eva were also inducted as Life Members for their achievements and service to the club, the first members of the AFLW program to receive the honour.
Chairman Tony Shepherd congratulated the duo on their Life Membership.
“It’s wonderful to induct Alicia and Cora as life members of our club tonight,” he said.
“They are both significant figures in our club’s history and it’s a fitting honour given their achievements and contribution.
“Alicia became the first GIANTS player to reach 50 AFLW games this season and continues to lead the way as one of the most impressive leaders in the game.
“Cora was not only the first Irishwoman to join the competition but became the first player to play 50 games as a GIANT and to do that consecutively is a remarkable achievement.
“It’s a privilege to have these two women at our club and to be able to award our first AFLW players life membership makes tonight an extra significant night.”
2022 Season Seven Gabrielle Trainor Medal
Top 10
1. Alyce Parker (99 votes)
2. Georgia Garnett (69)
3. Tarni Evans (68)
4. Jodie Hicks (47)
5. Katherine Smith (43)
6. Nicola Barr (37)
7. Alicia Eva (31)
8. Madison Brazendale (29)
8. Annalyse Lister (29)
10. Cora Staunton (28)
Rising Star Award
Presented by Brydens Lawyers
Madison Brazendale
GIANTS Community Award
Presented by the GIANTS Foundation
Ally Dallaway
Members Choice Award
Presented by Harvey Norman
Alyce Parker
Mark of the Year
Presented by Harvey Norman
Katherine Smith – Round 10 v Gold Coast
Goal of the Year
Presented by Harvey Norman
Tarni Evans – Round 8 v Hawthorn
Defensive Moment of the Year
Presented by Western Sydney University
Katherine Smith – Round 5 v Adelaide
Leading Goal Kicker
Presented by Brydens Lawyers
Cora Staunton – 8 goals
Jacinda Barclay Fearless Award
Georgia Garnett
Coaches Award
Presented by Crypto.com
Katherine Smith
