Emily Bates claimed a piece of Brisbane Lions history by winning the inaugural Brisbane Lions Women’s Best and Fairest on Friday night.

Bates was also named the Players’ Player – recognised by her teammates for an outstanding season which included selection in the AFL Women’s All Australian team.

The midfielder, who was Brisbane’s first pick in the 2016 AFLW Draft, said she was forever indebted for the opportunity to play with the Brisbane Lions.

“Thank you for investing in us and seeing potential in us,” said Bates.

“We’ve just felt so much support. To be wearing the Brisbane Lions guernsey each week is an honour and I hope we can keep doing the guernsey proud for as long as we can.”  

“This has been the best five months of my life and it’s all because of you girls.

“I now have 26 best friends, that I’ll have for life and we’ve done something together that we’ll never forget. We’ve made history.

“Hopefully next year we’ll go one better.”