It was a season like no other for Ally Anderson.
In a career-best year for the 28-year-old, she was arguably the most consistent player in the competition through Season 7.
The 28-year-old averaged 21.4 disposals, 5.3 tackles and 4.8 clearances a game and became a game breaker on multiple occasions for Brisbane.
Her form was threatening early in the season, collecting 28 disposals, eight marks and laying seven tackles in Round 3 against Gold Coast.
But the AFL world took notice in Round 9, when Anderson broke loose against Hawthorn, amassing a career-high 31 disposals (16 contested), on top of 10 clearances and five score involvements.
Despite her dominance through the midfield, her unassuming nature often meant she flew under the radar of the competition and her own teammates at times.
Belle Dawes said she was often surprised watching vision back; how involved Anderson was.
"I always look up to her, she's so consistent," Dawes said.
"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."
And while Anderson’s surprise omission from the All-Australian side had many scratching their heads, there was nothing but elation when her name was announced as the Season 7 League Best & Fairest.
Becoming the second Lions AFLW player to receive the prestigious W Medal, Anderson’s name was pencilled in alongside some of the merged Club greats.
In her humble way, Anderson, a foundation Brisbane Lions AFLW player, said she was shocked to receive the accolade and dedicated it to her team.
“Thank you to my team, you make me a better player and together we make each other better players. I absolutely love playing with you all,” she said.
“To all of the coaching and high-performance staff, you have done so much for me and the whole team. Having Emily and I both win this award in the same year is a testament to that, so thank you.
“To the trainers, physios and all of the support staff, thank you, and to my parents and family, I wouldn’t be here without you. And finally a thank you to the Club.”
