Sydney Swans utility Zippy Fish has been named the 2025 Telstra AFLW Rising Star after an outstanding first year in the competition.
Fish averaged 21 disposals, 16 kicks and 442 metres gained in 2025, including a 43-disposal outing against North Melbourne in Round 8.
The teenager arrived in the Harbour City after she was taken with Sydney's first pick and fifth selection overall in the 2024 AFLW Draft from East Fremantle.
Fish dazzled on debut in Sydney’s Round 1 win over Richmond at North Sydney Oval, equalling the record for the most disposals in a debut AFLW game with 26.
She went on to earn her Rising Star nomination after Sydney’s Round 2 win over Gold Coast, where she notched 27 disposals, including eight intercepts, and used the ball at 85 per cent efficiency.
The 19-year-old received the maximum 50 votes ahead of Carlton’s Poppy Scholz and West Coast’s Lucia Painter (23 votes each).
Receiving the award at the W Awards on Monday night, Fish said paid tribute to those who had helped her on her journey.
“I’d like to thank my teammates, I wouldn’t be able to be up here without them,” Fish said.
“I’d also like to thank my parents, they’ve sacrificed a lot for me to make the AFLW, and I think I’ve turned out to be a pretty good person as well so thankyou to them.”
She becomes the first AFLW player from the Swans to receive the award, with AFL captain Callum Mills the club’s last winner in 2016.
In other honours presented on the night, midfielder Montana Ham won the 2025 NAB AFLW Goal of the Year for her incredible goal on the run against Collingwood in Round 5.
The 21-year-old received the Goal of the Year gong after a blistering run from midfield, three handpasses, and an elite finish on her right foot.
Midfielder Laura Gardiner placed fifth in the AFLW best and fairest count, polling 15 votes.
Gardiner enjoyed a stellar campaign, averaging 31.7 disposals at 56.6% efficiency, 14.3 contested possessions, 3.8 clearances, 9.6 tackles and 3.8 score involvements.
