Our Own Kiara Bowers named 2021 AFLCA champion player of the year!

Kiara Bowers

Fleetwood carpenter and Fremantle Dockers star Kiara Bowers has been recognised by the AFLW’s senior coaches for her fantastic achievements on the footy field, taking out this year’s AFLW Champion Player of the Year award!

The AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year award recognises the best AFLW player from the home and away season, based upon votes awarded by senior AFL coaches after each home and away game. Kiara took out this year’s award with a 3-point lead, ahead of GWS Giant Alyce Parker who came in second. Heading into round 9 against North Melbourne, the pair were separated by just 6 votes. However, Kiara’s stunning efforts on ground gave her the 5 extra votes to secure her 2021 victory!

Kiara polled votes in eight of a possible nine games, including the maximum possible 10 votes in four games as the best on ground against West Coast in round two, Adelaide in round three, Gold Coast in round four and Carlton in round seven. She averaged 21 disposals, 12 contested possessions, 7 clearances, 11 tackles and 3 inside 50s per game this season.

No stranger to sporting triumphs, Kiara has received All Australian football honours for the last two years.  She has also won two club Champion awards for the Fremantle Dockers, setting an AFLW record last year with 99 tackles for the season, including the single-game record of 18.

Not only does Kiara excel on the footy field, she also excels in her working life. Fleetwood Building Solutions is incredibly proud to have Kiara on board in our WA carpentry team.  Kiara began her journey with Fleetwood in 2016 as one of our first female carpentry apprentices, going on to complete her apprenticeship in 2020. Since then she has only gone from strength to strength, and we are proud to support her to continue kicking goals in both her carpentry and AFLW career.

Jason Kunkler, Fleetwood Building Solutions Chief Operating Officer praised Kiara for her latest sporting achievement. “Kiara is a real trail blazer and has been breaking new ground, both on and off the field.  Not only is Kiara excelling in her AFL career, she is also leading the way in her off-field career as Fleetwood’s first female apprentice carpenter.  Now a qualified carpenter, Kiara consistently displays a very strong work ethic and commitment as a key member of the WA carpentry team.  Kiara is a one-of-a-kind talent and sets a great example for her peers and teammates.”

“While Kiara’s Fremantle team has missed out on the grand finals this year, I am sure we will continue to hear more of her future successes on and off the field. I know the Fleetwood team will be here in any way we can to support Kiara to achieve success in both arenas.”

Congratulations Kiara!