Sport
31 July, 2025
Bell named best and fairest
TERANG-MORTLAKE superstar Tayla Bell has taken out the Western Victoria Female Football League’s highest honour.
At the league’s annual presentation evening last Friday, Bell was named the under 18 best and fairest after guiding the Bloods to an impressive 7-2 record and another grand final berth.
Bell said she was rapt with the recognition, earning the nod with 15 votes over Cavendish Football Netball Club’s Leayla Pohl (12 votes).
“It’s a pretty good feeling,” she said.
“It’s a good achievement.”
Bell has earned best player recognition each time she’s stepped foot on the field this year, including slotting eight goals over the course of the season.
She feels her growth this season went hand-in-hand with remaining dedicated to her training.
“I finished runner-up in the best and fairest last year so I think it’s good to get it this year,” Bell said.
“I feel like it was just an extra year of experience that made the difference.
“I do think I was focusing more, and I was doing more training this year.”
Bell’s presence in guiding the team across the oval is where her impact has been most felt.
At just 16-years-old she is on the smaller side but boasts impressive speed and agility, combined with an intensity in her playstyle which naturally keeps the ball moving.
Her technical refinement continues to impress for a younger player with only 37 games to her name.
“This is my third season now,” Bell said.
“Each year I’m working to get better and improve my skills.
“But I love all the girls and the team aspect of play.”
Bell said she was proud of the individual accolade, but as a leader of the Bloods girls she has her sights set firmly on this weekend’s grand final – in hopes of seeing her team lift their first premiership.
“It’s been a really good season, and all the girls have gotten around it,” she said.
Bell has been among the young players who have continued a run of success for the Bloods girls since their inaugural season in 2019.
The program quickly developed into seasoned contenders, including two grand final appearances over the past three years.
Bell said she hoped to see other girls in the area picking up the footy and giving themselves a chance.
“Give it a go, even if you’ve never given it a go before,” she said.
“Come along, come to training.
“It’s been really good.”