Ally Anderson took her already consistent season to another level on Saturday, with the Foundation Lion putting together a standout performance in Saturday’s clash against Hawthorn.
Already topping her career averages in disposals (+4.8%), marks (+2.8%), tackles (+1.3%) and clearances (+2.4%) throughout Season 7, Anderson looks to be in some of the best form of her career.
Her role in Saturday night’s win sits firmly among her best, with the 2019 All Australian gathering 31 possessions (16 contested), 10 clearances, five score involvements and 393 metres gained to become a force to be reckoned with at Skybus Stadium.
Putting together a complete performance, Anderson played a critical role in the Lions’ midfield to be named among the best in Saturday’s 54-point win over Hawthorn.
Her career-high 31 disposals and 10 clearances were the highest across the competition for Round 9, placing the 28-year-old among the top performers in the AFLW from the weekend.
Brisbane midfielder Isabel Dawes says she's always surprised when she watches a game back to see just how involved Anderson is.
"I always look up to her, she's so consistent," Dawes said from the Lions' new training base at Springfield on Tuesday afternoon.
"She's that great linking player for us.
"She's just been able to rack up the ball more and more. You don't even really notice it in the game until you watch it back and think 'damn, Ally's all over the field'.
"I really try to learn as much as I can off Ally because she's got all these components in her game I'd love to have."
Anderson is ranked in the top-10 for clearances (5.4) and score involvements (3.8) to go along with her disposal and tackle count.
"Ally's always been that great linking up player that gets it to our half-forwards," Dawes said.
"She always goes for the one-two, gets that double up, she's always running in numbers to support you, she's always there for that handball. She does that really well.
"I wish I could do that."