On paper, the Brisbane Lions had one of the strongest midfields in the competition, and the result on-field was no different.

While having two W Medallists in their midfield might make some teams feel comfortable, the Brisbane midfielders played with ferocity and hunger that shocked their opposition.

With contributors across the board, the Lions engine room fired on all cylinders in Season 7.

The number one team in the competition for kicks, tackles and marks, Brisbane’s midfield suffocated teams with their pressure game and took control of games quickly, with their aerial dominance and foot skills.

Cathy Svarc and Emily Bates lead the pressure brigade, ranking third and fourth respectively for total tackles, while Tahlia Hickie continued the rising star conversation, ranking second for total hit-outs.

Belle Dawes and Jade Ellenger both had their best seasons to date, Sophie Conway was her usual consistent self and damaged the scoreboard regularly, while Orla O'Dwyer had an interrupted start to the season due to a shoulder injury, but was back to her best in the back end of the year.

2023 is a Big Year for…

Belle Dawes

One of the toughest players in the AFLW, Dawes’ game took another step forward in Season 7.

Often the first head over the football, the 21-year-olds work in contested situations was extraordinary.

And while she may not get the same disposal count as her superstar teammates in Ally Anderson or Emily Bates, her ability to win the hard ball is second to none and was a key contributor in Brisbane’s clearance dominance through the year.

Averaging a career-high 14.1 disposals and 4.5 tackles a game, the sky is the limit for Dawes in 2023.

Unsung Hero

Cathy Svarc

There aren’t too many opposition players who stand at the centre bounce comfortably when lined up next to Cathy Svarc.

The 31-year-old was physical in contests, and just as explosive out of them, using her speed to give the Brisbane forwards plenty of opportunity.

In her sides 73-point demolition of highway rivals, Gold Coast, Svarc was prolific with 20 disposals and eight tackles.

But those tackle numbers were a constant for Svarc, who laid eight or more tackles on 11 different occasions through the season.

And while some of her tackling efforts against North Melbourne (13), Adelaide (12) or Richmond (10) would be a career-best outing for most players, Svarc saved her best work for the biggest stage.

In her sides heartbreaking Grand Final loss to Melbourne, the speedy midfielder racked up an incredible 16 tackles in an inspired performance.

For context, Adelaide’s Rory Laird holds the title of most tackles in an AFL game with 20, a true testament to Svarc’s work rate and hunger for the contest.