Subiaco Captain Hayley Miller Claims Dhara Kerr Medal

Subiaco Women’s star midfielder and captain Hayley Miller has taken out the 2018 Dhara Kerr Medal for the Fairest & Best player in the WAWFL League competition.

In an exciting finish to a great 2018 Kerr Medal count, Miller polled two votes in the last game called on the night to pip Swan Districts Gemma Houghton by one vote.

Houghton had taken the lead by polling three votes in the last round, before Miller polled the two votes she needed in a Subiaco win over the Perth Angels to claim a popular victory.

Miller finished with 24 votes.

The popular, ultimate team player, Miller has risen to prominence as a member of the Fremantle Dockers over the past two seasons, and was a deserving winner of the WAWFL top prize after a number of inspirational performances to lead the Subiaco Women to finals.

Miller who had a delayed start to Subiaco Women’s 2018 campaign due to injuries she suffered in Fremantle’s last game of the 2018 AFLW season, proved to be a hit with the umpires, polling 24 votes in just 12 games.

In her acceptance speech Miller acknowledge what has been at times a difficult season, but could culminate with both individual and team success this Sunday when the Subiaco Women play for the 2018 Premiership.

Miller was also quick to pass praise to her teammates.

“I am so proud of all the girls, I’m so proud I get to lead that team and the club,” Miller said.

Ever the humble champion, Miller who has been close to the Kerr medal before, pipped by teammate Jodie White in the 2017 Kerr Medal Count, was quick to recognise her performances of the past two seasons.

A lover of the game, Miller had great knowledge of the award and was proud to be joining a former teammate and friend Kiara Bowers as winners of the award.

“Winning this award, it’s something I always had in the back of my mind,” Miller said.

“I’d seen Kiara Bowers win a few of them and she’s a real good mate, and I always wondered would I ever get there, and it’s a little bit surreal that I’ve done it.”

Miller also acknowledged the work of Subiaco Women’s President Sarah Michell who was instrumental in the Coastal Titans being rebranded as Subiaco Women in 2018 and former coach Martine Pearman.

“I have so much to thank Martine and Sarah for being where I am right now,” Miller said.

Renowned for her toughness, Miller played out her last AFLW game with a collapsed lung and has also suffered a broken leg for Fremantle, but said her love for playing footy means she puts everything into every game she plays.

Miller will now lead Subiaco into the 2018 WAWFL Grand Final looking to add team success to individual success.

It was a winning night for Subiaco with two other members of the team recognised with wins in earlier categories.

Significantly the two earlier wins came in Rising Star categories, highlighting the ongoing work the club continues to put into developing its list for the long term.

Jayme Harken took out the Cath Boyce Rookie of the Year while Kia Buckley was named the Rising Star winner for the Rogers Cup competition.

Subiaco fans are encouraged to watch the new Kerr medallist in action this coming Sunday when Subiaco aim for premiership glory in the 2018 WAWFL Grand Final, taking on East Fremantle at Claremont Oval from 2pm.