Aberfeldie's Jasmine Ferbrache has been voted the Fernwood Fitness Women's Player of the Month for August.
Aberfeldie's Jasmine Ferbrache has claimed the final Fernwood Fitness Women's Player of the Month award of season 2026 after the most hotly contested vote of the year.
The 19-year-old winger capped a debut senior season to take the award after a remarkable first year in the EDFL Airport Toyota Premier Division.
Across 16 games she was named best player six times, including throughout a finals campaign that ended with Aberfeldie falling to Strathmore in the grand final last month.
Ferbrache made the step up from under-19s without missing a beat. Playing on the wing, she became one of the most important link-up players in the competition. Her left-foot kicking, her reading of the game, and her ability to connect the back line to the forward 50 made her a key player for the Two Blues.
"She's almost been a bit of a missing piece for us on the wing," co-coach Ashleigh Gunn said.
"She's a really big link-up from back line to midfield to forward line. I would arguably say she's got one of the best kicks in our team. You sort of forget how young she is - she's got a really mature head on her shoulders."
The kicking ability that has caught so many eyes is something Ferbrache traces back to the very beginning. She has only ever played football starting at under-10s, and a love of going to the park on weekends has kept the touch sharp ever since.
When asked where she got her boot from, she said: "I just love kicking the footy. I think it's just the consistency of playing for a long time."
Her football IQ has been equally impressive. Working in the industry and consuming as much football as she can during the AFLW season has quietly sharpened her positioning and game sense in ways she is only beginning to appreciate.
"Without me realising, being around footy all the time has probably helped me with positioning and understanding the game," she says. "I think I have a natural understanding of footy. It's come to me pretty easy."
Gunn says Ferbrache's transition into the senior group has been seamless in every respect: "She hasn't missed a beat in terms of her connection with her teammates. She goes above and beyond to connect with everyone.
“She asks lots of questions because she genuinely wants to learn and get better for the team. She's an absolute pleasure to coach and the ideal sort of teammate to play with."
Despite the grand final heartbreak, Ferbrache looks back on her first senior season with nothing but fondness. The group clicked at exactly the right moment, peaking through finals with a connection and confidence that had been building all year.
"I've loved every second of it," she says. "The girls were so welcoming, even to the new girls that came in. We gelled really nicely, and I think it definitely clicked going into finals. Everything was kind of working at the right time."
The Player of the Month nomination itself caught her off guard.
"It's definitely not something I thought I'd be in contention for,” she said.
"It feels very good being recognised for the hard work I've put in this season. When I won, I honestly thought I wouldn't even have a chance. I'm very grateful."
Gunn is equally delighted for her young wing woman.
"She's as humble as they come. I'm rapt for her. It's very well deserved."
As part of the award, Ferbrache wins a customised training plan and a month's free membership to Fernwood Fitness.
Across this season so far, Fernwood Fitness has generated $3,650 directly back into local EDFL clubs, helping clubs raise valuable funds simply by encouraging their communities to prioritise their health and wellbeing.
This finals season, support your club while investing in your own wellbeing. For just $50, enjoy 30 days at Fernwood Fitness - including gym, group fitness, FIIT30, Reformer Pilates and recovery facilities - with 100 per cent of your payment going directly back to your nominated club.
