Tathra’s Tarni Evans has been selected in the initial AFLW All-Australian Squad.
The young Greater Western Sydney star also finished third in the Giants’ best and fairest count for the second year running on Monday (October 13) evening.
18-year-old Zarlie Goldsworthy, also named in the All Australian Squad, was voted club champion with the Gabrielle Trainor Medallist polling 119 votes from runner up Alyce Parker (77) and Tarni Evans tied with Rebecca Beeson (68) for third.
The AA recognition follows Evans’ and Goldsworthy’s recent selection in the AFL PA’s 22Under22 extended squad, with a final team, selected through a fan vote, to be announced on November 22.
Goldsworthy, who is one of the top candidates for this year’s AFLW Rising Star award, endured a breakout season to assert herself as one of the competition’s most exciting players at just 18 years of age.
The dynamic midfielder created history in round eight by becoming the youngest player to kick five goals in an AFLW game.
In just her second season, it marks Goldsworthy’s first time named in the 42-player All-Australian squad.
Likewise, the recognition marks the first time that teammate and former Tathra Sea Eagle, Tarni Evans has been included in the All-Australian squad following another stellar season in defence for the GIANTS.
The dashing 21-year-old defender, known for her raking left boot, led the competition for rebound 50’s (6.4 per game), while averaging 16.3 disposals and 5.7 intercept possessions to go along with 3.9 tackles and 3.3 spoils per game.
Elevated to the Giants’ leadership group ahead of the 2023 season, Evans led by example across all 10 games to continue her emergence as one of the competition’s best defenders.
The final All-Australian team, consisting of 21 players, will be announced at the W Awards on Monday, November 27.
Images: GWS Giants, Tarni Evans
