Karratha’s AFLW draftee Abbygail Bushby wins Swan Districts McSherry Medal

Karratha’s Abbygail Bushby’s stellar football year has been recognised with the AFLW draftee taking out Swan Districts’ top gong for a female player.

Named after foundation captain, WA representative and dual reserves premiership coach Mandy McSherry, the award recognises the best and fairest female player in the club.

Bushby took out the award, held at the Mandoon Estate on July 29, in a close contest with 72 votes, ahead of first-year player Ruby Mahony on 67, and her under-18s State game teammate Jaime Henry (62 votes).

It capped off a stellar year for the 17-year-old who competed for WA at the State championships and was then drafted by the West Coast Eagles with pick 24 in this season’s AFLW Draft.

Bushby has played 12 games for Swans this season and averaged 16.4 disposals, three marks and three tackles a game.

The midfielder/forward, who stands at 169cm, kicked six goals this season.

Speaking to the Pilbara News, Bushby said winning the McSherry medal is something she’ll be forever proud off.

“Very honoured to win such a medal which has so much history behind it at Swan Districts with some absolute legends who have won it,” she said..

“The whole year has been a big one for me. Starting it with state then getting selected for the national’s academy and then drafted and winning the McSherry medal.

“All of this year has been a highlight but if I had to choose one it would be the night I got drafted to West Coast“

Bushby said the seventh season of the AFLW begins at the end of august.

“Not sure if I’ll get too much game time this year as I’m a developing player, having to balance school with footy but with some exceptional players at West Coast it will be hard to break in the team,” she said.

“But if I do get a game, it would be an absolute honour and probably one of the best days of my life. “

The Karratha-raised Bushby is playing in just her second season at Swan Districts and last year finished third in the Rogers Cup best and fairest award.