Brisbane Lions star midfielder Emily Bates has taken out the 2022 AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year. 

Bates, an inaugural Lion who made AFLW history in 2022 being one of the first to notch up 50 AFLW games, polled 74 votes to take out the Coaches Award ahead of Anne Hatchard (Adelaide Crows) and Ash Riddell (North Melbourne Kangaroos) who tied for second with 68 votes.

 

The 2022 season again threw up some challenges but Bates, a key to the Lions engine room, showed her resilience and stood tall throughout earning votes in all but one match of the season where she averaged 21.7 disposals, 10.6 contested possessions, 5.6 clearances and 6.9 tackles.

AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson congratulated Bates on being crowned the 2022 AFL Coaches Association AFLW Champion Player of the Year.

“What an incredible season Emily had polling coaches votes in all but one match. The season wasn’t without its challenges but Emily rose to the occasion and the coaches took note," Nicholson said.

"Emily should be very proud to receive this Award from the coaches. Their unique perspective on what succeeds in each of the games, combined with the thought that goes into allocating the votes is what we believe leads to this being the most prestigious of all the individual Awards in the AFLW.”

Brisbane Lions coach Craig Starcevich congratulated Bates on the Award.

“It’s great to see Batesy’s talent and professionalism recognised in this way,” Starcevich said.

“From where we stand, she’s the epitome of the Brisbane Lions in how she prepares and how she plays.

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Emily Bates 50 Games

Emily Bates make AFLW history to be one of the first AFLW players to hit 50 AFLW games.

“She’s second to none in her professionalism and the way she goes about playing football, and she’s really been able to showcase that on field this season with the performances she’s produced.

“This recognition from the Coaches Association is a great acknowledgement of what’s been a fantastic season for Batesy and her midfield group.” 

TOP 10 - FINAL LEADERBOARD

1. Emily Bates (BL) 74
2. Anne Hatchard (ADEL) 68
2. Ashleigh Riddell (NMFC) 68
4. Ebony Marinoff (ADEL) 60
5. Kirsty Lamb (WB) 56
6. Monique Conti (RICH) 55
7. Ellie Blackburn (WB) 52
8. Jaimee Lambert (COLL) 51
9. Hayley Miller (FRE) 50
10. Jasmine Garner (NMFC) 42
10. Amy McDonald (GEEL) 42