Nikki Nield becomes the first Panther to win the SANFLW Best & Fairest

The Panthers' Nikki Nield made history on Monday night by winning the SANFLW's highest individual honour.

In a thrilling final count, Nield secured the Best and Fairest award with two crucial votes in the last round.

Drafted to the Crows in 2018 after winning the inaugural South Adelaide Women's Best and Fairest, Nield played 30 AFLW games for Adelaide and Fremantle before rejoining the Panthers full-time in 2024.

Nield's season started strong, receiving maximum votes in six rounds. Heading into the final round just one vote ahead, her 19 disposals and 9 tackles against Centrals earned her two votes, clinching the 2024 SANFLW Best and Fairest.

Nield has been instrumental in the Panthers' midfield, leading her team to the top of the ladder and into their 5th Hostplus SANFLW Grand Final on July 6. She averaged 22 disposals, four clearances, four marks, and ten tackles per game in 2024.

Reflecting on her performance, Nield attributed her success to her enjoyment of the game.

“I’ve had quite a tough few years, so coming back home and just enjoying what I’ve been doing and playing the football with South Adelaide, they’re an amazing bunch of girls, and the club there." Said Nikki Nield

“It’s been incredible to come back, and I’m proud of myself with how I’ve held myself together this season and the football I’ve been able to produce. "In a few years time I think, when you look back on your career, and I think this will be something incredibly special to me. But alongside that I’m eager to get another premiership.”

“Coming to the late games I knew I finished the season quite well so and especially with Jess Bates, (she) unfortunately had some injuries so had the last two games off."

"Especially those last two games I thought I had a chance, but still wasn’t hoping too much, but just wait it out but when my name got called out for those three votes, there were quite a lot of emotions going through with how I’m pretty speechless with what happened.”

Nield was also named ruck rover in the 2024 Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year, joined by four teammates and Senior Coach Rick Watts.

Emily Brockhurst, debuting in the Team of the Year, was named in the forward pocket. A key offensive player, Brockhurst tied for the leading goal kicker with 25 majors, highlighted by a crucial tackle and goal in Round 14.

Esther Schirmer, selected as Full Back, has become a vital part of the Panthers’ defence, averaging 14 disposals and five marks in her third SANFLW season at just 17 years old.

Soriah Moon retained her spot as the premier ruck, averaging 30 hit-outs per game and showing versatility with 13 disposals, four tackles, and four clearances per game.

Jordann Hickey, named on the interchange bench, excelled in a new role further up the field, averaging 17 disposals and five tackles. As vice-captain, she played a crucial role in leading the Panthers to the minor premiership.

Rick Watts was named coach for the second time. The 2019 premiership mentor led the Panthers to an 11-3 record and the best defensive line-up, making him the most successful SANFLW coach with 47 wins in five seasons.

South Adelaide Female Football Manager Jonathon Parker expressed pride in Nield's achievement:

"It was a proud moment to see Nikki named the 2024 SANFLW Best and Fairest. Her hard work and dedication are truly inspiring, and she deserves every accolade."

"It's also exciting to have five players selected in the Advertiser SANFLW Team of the Year, a testament to their hard work over the last eight months."

"And to have Rick Watts named Coach of the year is outstanding. His time, effort, and care are unparalleled"

"Congratulations to all the award winners from Monday night."