Emily Bates has capped another outstanding season by being crowned the Brisbane Lions’ first dual AFLW Best and Fairest.
The inaugural winner claimed the award in a thrilling vote count over another former champion Kate Lutkins at a function at the Springwood Social Club on Sunday.
Bates was presented with her award by Lions chairman Andrew Wellington after edging out All Australian Lutkins in the final round.
First year sensation Cathy Svarc was third.
It was the exclamation mark on a stunning debut season for the midfielder who romped home as the best first year player and was also ranked the 19th best player in the league by Champion Data.
Bates, at just 24-years-of-age, is already a dual All Australian and Best and Fairest winner and Lions’ AFLW CEO Breeanna Brock said she deserved every platitude that came her way because of her incredible consistency and commitment to continuous improvement.
“Where do you start with Emily, she just continues to perform,’’ she said.
“Her consistency is really admirable and it comes off the back of another solid pre-season and her work ethic at training and in games.
“She’s is one of our hardest trainers and that sets the tone for the rest of the side.
“And she is so resilient, she never misses games because she takes such a professional approach to her preparation and recovery.
“It is a well deserved result for her.’’
