Talented Territorian Ashanti Bush has underlined her class by claiming the Big Rivers Football League women's best-and-fairest award at the weekend's presentation ceremony.

Representing the Arnhem Crows, Bush polled 12 votes across nine matches to edge out Katherine South's Harriet Rowe and Eastside's Jayde De La Coeur, who both finished on 10.

The silky-skilled forward stood out with three best-on-ground performances as her speed, flair and finishing ability caught the eye of the umpires.

The award caps a significant return to football for the 23-year-old, who earlier this season needed a medical clearance to play after dealing with lingering concussion-related issues.

Bush's manager, Djinda Sports' Jayden Gerrand, said her resilience throughout the recovery process had been inspiring.

"Ashanti has worked extremely hard to get back to footy after experiencing issues with the effects of concussion throughout the last year," Gerrand told National Indigenous Times.

"I'm really proud of how she's gone about the whole process with her resilience to keep pushing through every hurdle that came her way to get back to the game she loves."

Bush's triumph could also prove to be a stepping stone towards a return to the elite level.

Taken with pick eight in the 2021 AFLW Draft, she went on to play 10 games for the Gold Coast Suns.

In 2022 she produced one of the league's most memorable highlights – a stunning boundary-line snap at Henson Park against GWS which earned her Goal of the Year honours.

From Beswick, a small community south-east of Katherine, Bush first honed her craft kicking a football on the banks of the Waterhouse River before moving to Darwin for school and greater opportunities.

Her connection to home remains strong, with Wugularr School creating the 'Ashanti Bush Award' to celebrate students in its Sports and Recreation program who display great sportsmanship and commitment.

Gerrand said Bush has the talent and drive to work her way back to the AFLW.

"Ashanti definitely has the talent to get back to the AFLW," he said.

"She's got a few steps to go but this is a great first step in the right direction.

"I'm really excited to see what's next for her and to play a small role in her journey."

Bush's Arnhem Crows have booked a spot in the BRFL's premiership decider after comprehensive 64-point win over Eastside in last Saturday's qualifying final.

The Crows have a well-earned week's rest before facing the winner of this weekend's preliminary final between Eastside and Ngukurr Bulldogs.