At a glance:

  • Molly McDonald is right up there to take out St Kilda's inaugural best-and-fairest.
  • The young Saint has already written herself into the history books in Season 2020, becoming the first St Kilda AFLW player to kick a goal.
  • McDonald took the most marks for the club in 2020.

It’s only been one year in the red, white and black for Molly McDonald, but already she’s been writing her name into the history books.

The 18-year-old was part of St Kilda’s historic trio of signings alongside Ali Brown and Isabella Shannon, and was a member of the Saints’ debut side as the club embarked on a new chapter.

Most incredibly, the Seaford recruit slotted St Kilda’s first ever goal in the women’s league, mirroring an achievement by her namesake James McDonald in 1873.

Molly McDonald mirrors history 147 years later

Now, the opportunity beckons for the classy winger to write herself into the record books again – this time as St Kilda’s inaugural best-and-fairest.  

McDonald pieced together a consistent campaign in one of the club’s most distinguished numbers, spending time along the wing and up forward.

Blessed with a brilliant left-boot and a handy pair of wheels, the former basketballer stood out from the pack week after week.

Molly McDonald in the club's landmark debut. Photo: Corey Scicluna.
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Her nous around goal in the games’ crucial stages gave the Saints fighting chances of pulling off spectacular triumphs, with her two incredible majors against the Bulldogs and Dockers bringing the fans to their feet.

The No. 1 often acted as an outlet on the arcs, with her safe hands and sure ball-use seeing her top St Kilda’s tally for total marks.

While she didn’t rack up the disposals like Georgia Patrikios or Oliva Vesely, her composure with the football was unquestionable.

Molly McDonald kicks true against the Dockers. Photo: Corey Scicluna.
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But what stood out most was how deeply she cared about the red, white and black.

In the club’s most gut-wrenching moment against the Dockers, the young Saint was brought to tears after the result was decided in the final minute off the back of a 50m penalty.

Visibly distraught and inconsolable after the final siren, her reaction struck a chord with the Saints.

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They felt the young talent’s heartbreak after an inspiring win slipped away, and saw how much she cared for the crest and the club.

And while the four points went Fremantle’s way, the greatest victory came from the fact that she’d earned the undisputed respect of the faithful.

From just six games, McDonald has earned a reputation a true Saint, and a player who wears their heart on the sleeve.

And what better way to salute that than with St Kilda’s 2020 best-and-fairest.

Molly McDonald
Season averages: 10 disposals, four marks, two tackles
Best game: Round 1 v Carlton, 12 disposals, four marks, one goal
Key stat: First for St Kilda’s total marks