Emily Bates has been awarded the AFLW’s highest honour, presented with the AFLW Best and Fairest at the W Awards in Melbourne on Tuesday night.

Bates becomes the first Brisbane Lions AFLW player to receive the prestigious award and only the 11^th player in the merged Club’s history, AFL or AFLW, to win their respective competition’s Best and Fairest medal.

Bates polled 21 votes across the ten rounds to finish on top, ahead of Adelaide's Anne Hatchard (20 votes) and Ebony Marinoff (18 votes). 

The award is her third individual accolade this season, having taken home her third All-Australian selection on Tuesday night and the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player Award last month.

"I am just in shock," Bates said.

"This is just the greatest honour you could ever receive, and I'm really proud."

It comes off the back of an exceptional season for the Foundation Lion that saw her confirm her position as one of the best midfielders in the competition.

Averaging 21.3 disposals, 11.2 contested possessions, 7.1 tackles, 5.6 clearances, Bates has been a reliable contributor throughout the Lions’ 2022 season.

The experienced midfielder played a massive role in the Lions’ historic 74-point victory over the West Coast Eagles in Round 8, gathering a career-high 31 disposals, as well as six tackles, seven clearances, nine score involvements and 406 metres gained.

While in Round 10 against the Western Bulldogs, Bates’ experience and fight in the contest was on show, recording 18 disposals, 16 contested possessions, 11 tackles, and 12 clearances.

In an emotional acceptance speech Bates paid tribute to her family, as well as her late father, who she credits with getting her involved in football. 

"[I'd like to thank] my family, my sisters, Rachael and Sarah, I've got my Mum here. I'm so glad she's here today. She's crying her eyes out right now.

"I honestly would never think in my wildest dreams that I would win an award like this but Mum definitely, probably, thought I would because she thinks I'm the best player in the world, so this one is for you Mum.

"I also want to make mention of my Dad who got me playing football when I was young.

"He's the reason I started playing footy and I just followed in his footsteps at the Yeronga Football Club. 

"I always had a footy in my hands and he was coaching the men's team there. He passed away when I was 15 and never got to see my get drafted or play in the Grand Final or anything like that, so this would definitely be for him and I wish he was here today but I know he would be really proud of everything I've been able to do."