Ally Anderson wins Brisbane Lions’ AFLW best and fairest honour for a third time

Already thrilled to have been part of this year’s premiership-winning AFLW team, Brisbane Lions midfielder Ally Anderson has been given further reason to celebrate.

Ally Anderson (left) gets a kick away during Brisbane’s AFLW grand final win over North Melbourne. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Star midfielder Ally Anderson has capped off a superb AFLW season by winning the Brisbane Lions’ best and fairest award for a third time.

Anderson polled 205 votes. 10 more than runner-up and fellow midfielder Belle Dawes.

The individual award comes less than a week after Anderson helped the Lions win the AFLW premiership with a 17-point grand final victory over North Melbourne.

Brisbane Lions midfielder Ally Anderson has won the club’s AFLW best and fairest prize. Picture: Nigel Hallett

“As much this award means a lot to me, what is even more special is that I got to win a premiership with my best friends for this great club last week and I couldn’t be happier,” she said.

“A lot of the credit needs to go to my teammates, because I am very fortunate to be part of such an incredible team who make me a better player.

“If it wasn’t for the players I have around me and our amazing coaches and support staff then I wouldn’t be in this position, so a big thank you to every one of them.

“I am extremely honoured and grateful to receive this award, especially for a third time, and humbled to be listed alongside so many great Lions players.”

The form of Anderson, who averaged 24.3 disposals per game along with 6.5 tackles and 4.5 clearances, also earnt her selection in this year’s All-Australian team.

Dawes was also in good form this year, average of 7.7 tackles per game during the home and away season, before upping the ante to make 34 tackles in three finals series games.

Best and Fairest – Top 10

Ally Anderson – 205

Isabel Dawes – 195

Orla O’Dwyer – 169

Nat Grider – 166

Dakota Davidson – 164

Breanna Koenen – 163

Courtney Hodder – 160

Sophie Conway – 158

Jade Ellenger – 155

Cathy Svarc – 154

Other Awards

Rising Star – Charlotte Mullins

All For One Award – Nat Grider

The Lionhearted Award – Lily Postlethwaite

Most Relentless – Courtney Hodder

Trademark Player – Belle Dawes

Youi Game Changer – Belle Dawes

Originally published as Ally Anderson wins Brisbane Lions’ AFLW best and fairest honour for a third time