A host of North Melbourne’s AFLW listed talent have been recognised for standout seasons, ahead of the club’s inaugural 2019 campaign.

Ash Riddell has been awarded the 2018 Michelle Dench Medal, after taking her game to new heights with Melbourne University Women’s Football Club and playing all but one game this season.

The award entrenched in the clubs history, is named after Michelle Dench, a four time best-and-fairest winner and premiership captain of MUWFC. Her father is North Melbourne legend David Dench, who played close to 300 games for the Roos and captained the side to its 1977 premiership glory.

Riddell finished the best-and-fairest count with 96 votes, the captains blitzing speed and polished skills proving to be invaluable through the midfield.

Kate Gillespie-Jones and Emma Kearney, tied for second place with 64 votes each.

Earlier this month, Jess Duffin was recognised as the VFLW’s best-and-fairest player with the Lambert Piece Medal.

Across the nation, Tasmanian powerhouse Maddy Smith was awarded the Tasmanian State League Women’s (TSLW) best-and-fairest, while Britt Gibson received the J.A Grogan Medal in the QWAFL.

Earlier this year, Emma Kearney was recognised as the AFLW league best-and-fairest.

North AFLW coach Scott Gowans said the club was extremely proud of the women.

“The women are all really deserving in their awards and we can’t wait to have them in the royal blue and white next year,” Gowans told North Media.

“Our challenge now is to bring all this talent together and make it work on the field next year but there is no doubt we have a wealth of talent which is really exciting.”