Emily Bates, Nat Grider and Orla O’Dwyer have all been recognised for their exceptional 2022 seasons with selection in the 2022 All-Australian team.
The Lions trio were announced in the 21-strong team and presented with their All-Australian blazers at Tuesday night’s W Awards in Melbourne.
O’Dwyer and Grider will be making their first trip to the All-Australian tailors after breaking into the prestigious team for the first time.
It comes off the back of standout 2022 seasons for the young Lions, with the pair playing influential roles in several Lions’ victories this season.
The 2022 season saw Grider emerge as a key figure in the backline, following the loss of veteran defender Kate Lutkins to a season-ending injury.
Stepping up in the Lions’ defensive unit, Grider gathered an average of 13.8 disposals, 6.8 contested possessions, 6.9 intercepts and 3 marks a game to assert herself as one of the top defenders in the competition.
Irishwoman O’Dwyer has been a revelation for the Lions this season, averaging 14.4 disposals, 325.2 metres gained and 4.2 tackles in addition to kicking six goals.
In just her third AFLW season, O’Dwyer has developed a reputation as one of the best runners in the competition, with her speed critical in helping the Lions outnumber opponents around the content.
Lions Vice-Captain Emily Bates produced one of her strongest seasons to date to earn her third All Australian honour.
A reliable and consistent contributor in the Lions’ engine room, the experienced midfielder put together several career-high performances across the season including a 31-disposal effort against West Coast in Round 8.
The selection of three Lions in the All-Australian squad is the first time since 2018 that the Club has had multiple players selected in the side.
