Brisbane Lions defender Kate Lutkins has been crowned the Club’s best and fairest winner after a brilliant 2018 AFLW season. Lions Chairman Andrew Wellington presented the All Australian with her award.

It was not the only trophy Lutkins took home, adding the Members’ MVP and Players' Player trophies to her cabinet.

The 29-year-old was impenetrable in the defensive line in the second AFLW season.

In the Grand Final against the Western Bulldogs she finished second in the overall count for best on ground, with 21 disposals and six marks for the afternoon. 

During the regular season Lutkins dominated the stats, finishing first for intercept possessions, third overall for average disposals, second for metres gained, second for marks and second for kicks.

Coach Craig Starcevich said Lutkins’ inclusion into the leadership group this season, as voted by her teammates, had a tremendous impact.

“They recognised her qualities on and off the field,” Starcevich said. 

“Kate had more responsibility this year after Sam Virgo’s injury and Tahlia Randall being moved to ruck. She stepped up to the plate and read the play really well each game. 

“She has an incredible appetite for hard work and putting herself in danger, which her teammates admire.”

Lions AFLW CEO Breanna Brock echoed Starcevich’s sentiments.

“Kate has proven herself week in week out. Her commitment to the team and playing her role has been exemplary,” Brock said.

“As a Club we are immensely proud of the player she is developed into but more importantly the person that she is. Her leadership and confidence has grown in leaps in bounds and we look forward to many more seasons with Kate leading the charge for the Brisbane Lions.”

Behind Lutkins in the best and fairest count was midfielder Jamie Stanton with 108 votes. The former soccer player took her game to a new level this season, averaging 17 disposals per game, almost doubling her efforts from 2017.

Ally Anderson, Jessica Weutschner and Sabrina Frederick-Traub rounded out the top five:

Vice-Captain Leah Kaslar was awarded the All For One Award, for enacting the Club’s trademark on and off the field. 

Midfielder Ally Anderson was recognised as the Club’s Most Relentless. Anderson led the Club with 144 disposals in eight games and finished second with 40 tackles overall.

Nat Exon, made famous by her eye-catching mullet earlier this year, was awarded the Most Competitive in her first season with the Lions. In her seven games, Exon topped the tackle count with 44 overall.

The Lions toasted the end of the season at Hillstone, St Lucia.

The Club thanked women’s major partners Hyundai and Bond University, Coaches partner The Coffee Club and official partner Icon and Austraffic for their support this year.