Emily Bates has been recognised by her teammates, winning the inaugural Players’ Player at the Brisbane Lions Women’s Best and Fairest awards.

21-year-old Bates is one of four values leaders for the Lions.

A leader on and off the field, Bates uses encouragement to motivate her teammates to be their best.

“If I can speak as an outsider, she runs hard, competes hard,” said Coach Craig Starcevich.

As a captain of Queensland’s Under 18s side since she was 15 and then a five time representative of the Western Bulldogs in the annual Exhibition matches that preceded the AFLW, Bates has some big game experience.

“What they’re seeing out on the field is exactly what we’re seeing (as coaches).”  

Bates’ season was further rewarded at Tuesday’s W Awards in Melbourne when she received selection in the AFL Women’s All Australian Team.