It took a trip to the other side of the world for Jordan Barrett to have a crack at Australian rules but London mustn't have been a bad introduction: upon return, she took out the first Player of the Year award in the AFL Southern NSW Women's competition.
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Playing for North Wagga in their first season this year, Barrett was a dominant force in the ruck or when going forward and caused no shortage of headaches for opponents.
She picked up 11 votes to edge out her Saints teammate Georgina Bennett (10 votes).
Charles Sturt University's Chloe Hinde (nine votes) was third in the award which was decided by coaches' 3,2,1 votes each game.
"It was great to come back and play with some friends and check out was the competition was like here in town," Barrett said.
"Even though it was a short season, and it did finish a bit earlier than expected, it was still great to get around and have a kick. It was fantastic."
North Wagga were on fire but the season was halted by COVID-19 just a week before they were to meet CSU in the grand final.
No premiership was awarded but votes had been taken for the league's best.
It's just that the closure of AFL House meant it took some time for the award to be finalised.
Barrett was thrilled with the honour, for which she wins a year's supply of coffee from sponsor McDonalds.
Even without a grand final, the season had plenty of highlights including playing curtain-raisers to the AFLW game at Robertson Oval in March.
"I thought it was fantastic. It was great for women's sport and great exposure for the Riverina," Barrett said.
"And it was great to see the Women's AFL close-up and accessible to all of us here.
"It was also great that we got to play alongside East Wagga (in an extra exhibition game) against CSU. At least we got to finish on that high note."
The talented netballer and basketballer enjoyed the new sport and was particularly impressed with some teammates.
"I loved playing with both the Porter sisters (Ruby and Megan). They were a fantastic asset to the team," Barrett said.
"And playing with Kelsey Leaver, she's had a few years experience and it was great to play alongside her, especially with her knowledge and her keenness towards football."
Barrett, 26, won't be around for the new season next year with a new job taking her away from Temora.
2020 Southern NSW Womens Player of the Year
Leaderboard
Jordan Barrett (North Wagga) - 11 Votes
Georgina Bennett (North Wagga) - 10 Votes
Chloe Hinde (CSU) - 9 Votes
Ashlee Fennell (EWK) - 8 Votes
Megan Porter (North Wagga) - 8 Votes
Kahli Abbott (CSU) - 8 Votes
Ella Finemore (EWK) - 8 Votes
Lani Watson (Riverina Lions) - 8 Votes
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