Collingwood’s Christina Bernardi has been nominated for the AFLW MVP of the Week for Round 6, presented presented by Gloria Jean’s, for the first time, following her 16 disposals and three goals in her side’s 14-point away win over Brisbane.
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Bernardi is joined by the GWS Giants’ Courtney Gum, who was the most dominant player on the ground against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, and Melbourne’s Elise O’Dea, who earns her first nomination for the season following 19 disposals, three goals and seven tackles in their thumping win against the Blues.
The Pies got off to a strong start on Friday, and Bernardi was pivotal in setting up the match-winning lead, kicking early goals and proving to be a livewire in the forward line. The loss comes at a bad time for the Lions, who fell back to fifth place.
Gum has been one of the Giants’ most consistent performers in 2018, and she lived up to the billing on Saturday. Not only did she gather the most disposals on the ground, the midfielder also collected an AFLW record 20 contested possessions and amassed 10 clearances to peg back the Bulldogs after their strong start.
The Demons started on fire against the Blues, kicking a record six goals in the first term to balloon out to a 38-point lead, and it was O’Dea who was at the heart of it. The win came at a cost, with inspirational defender Mel Hickey struck down with an ACL tear.
The AFL Players’ Association has partnered with Gloria Jean’s to stage the prestigious AFLW Players’ MVP Award at the end of the season, and the AFLW MVP of the Week, a new concept that provides the fans with the opportunity to vote for the best performer of the round.
Fans will get the choice to select the MVP of the Week, after the three names have been put forward by the AFLPA.
All fans who vote will automatically receive a 2-for-1 coffee voucher to be used at any Gloria Jean’s store, and will go into the running to win the major weekly prize, a Moccamaster Coffee Machine, valued at $450. To vote, simply select the player you deem to be the MVP of the Week. Voting closes on Thursday, March 15 at 5pm AEDT.