Who will follow in the footsteps of Dal Pos, Eva and Beeson and be named the 2020 Gabrielle Trainor Medallist on Wednesday night?

The achievements of the GIANTS’ 2020 AFLW season will be recognised in an online version of the Gabrielle Trainor Medal, presented by Harvey Norman, this Wednesday night.

GIANTS members and fans will be encouraged to join in the fun and excitement of the evening from the comfort of their couch with the event streamed live via the club’s digital channels.

A host of awards will be presented throughout the evening on a video conference with the night culminating in the fourth presentation of the club champion award - the Gabrielle Trainor Medal.

Just like the AFL equivalent the Kevin Sheedy medal, there has never been a dual winner of this award with Jessica Dal Pos, Alicia Eva and Rebecca Beeson claiming victory in previous seasons. 

Here are some of the big names that could feature at the pointy-end of the leader board for this year’s Gabrielle Trainor Medal. 

Elle Bennetts

Bennetts had a remarkable 2020 season, coming hot on the heels of the netballer making her Suncorp Super Netball debut with the championship-winning NSW Swifts in 2019. The dual-code star made the move to the backline in 2020, with her strong marking skills and disposal efficiency making her a superb defensive weapon. Bennetts was named in the 40-person All Australian squad for the first time in 2020.

Alicia Eva

The new GIANTS captain continued her impressive midfield form across the early parts of the season before a foot injury robbed her of two games, which could cost her second Gabrielle Trainor Medal. The 2018 winner and former All Australian averaged 15 disposals in 2020 playing mostly through the midfield.

Jessica Dal Pos

The inaugural Gabrielle Trainor Medallist in 2017, leadership group member Dal Pos got back to her best in 2020. She didn’t rack up huge numbers but starred defensively and had a remarkable 78% disposal efficiency. She was handed the Captain’s armband for two matches and led the team superbly while Eva was out with injury.

Alyce Parker

A stunning second season from young gun Alyce Parker saw her named in her first All Australian team and also awarded the rebel Young Leader award. She developed on and off the field with many teams choosing to tag the 19-year-old, a demonstration of her influence on the game. Parker averaged 21 disposals a game in 2020.

Cora Staunton

Staunton chose to spend the last off-season in Sydney, playing for the UNSW-ES Bulldogs in the AFL Sydney Women’s competition to improve her football. A badly broken leg damaged those dreams and put her season - and career - in jeopardy. But it should have been no surprise the 38-year-old pushed herself to be ready for round one and played every game in 2020. Understandably a little slow to start, Staunton finished the season as the club’s leading goal kicker with eight goals, including a four-goal haul against the Tigers.

Britt Tully

Star midfielder Britt Tully returned to the GIANTS in 2020 after spending the 2019 season away from the game. It was a stunning return to the top level as Tully slotted back into the orange and charcoal seamlessly. She averaged more than 11 disposals, the most of her career, and laid more than six tackles a game. Statistically, Tully had a career-best season.

Rebecca Beeson

The reigning Gabrielle Trainor Medallist, Rebecca Beeson almost matched her 2019 season statistically in 2020 and could become the club’s first-ever dual Gabrielle Trainor Medallist. She averaged 16 disposals at 71% efficiency, 2.7 tackles per game and 1.9 inside-50s as she continued to develop her game in the midfield.

Pepa Randall

The tough defender earned some well-deserved recognition across the competition as the lock-down defender played on - and beat - some of the best forwards in the competition. Often giving away size and height, Randall again helped to lead the GIANTS defence with her disposal efficiency an impressive 80%.

As well as the Gabrielle Trainor Medal, the night will also recognise the key players from the year including the recipients of the Rising Star Award, Community Award, Members Choice Award, Mark of the Year, Goal of the Year, Coaches Award and Leading Goal Kicker.

You can watch live alongside Alan McConnell, Gabrielle Trainor and all your favourite AFLW players in an event not to be missed. 

Set the alarm and join us from 7pm on gwsgiants.com.au on Wednesday to celebrate the 2020 AFLW season.