Lions star crowned best AFLW player – despite odd snub

Brisbane’s grand final week preparations have commenced in perfect style, with star midfielder Ally Anderson crowned the AFLW’s best player in the most thrilling count in the competition’s seven-season history.

Anderson became the second consecutive Lions player to claim the AFLW best and fairest award after Emily Bates’ triumph in season six, polling 21 votes to win the season seven medal — despite not being named in the All-Australian team earlier in the night.

The 28-year-old finished with three consecutive best-on-ground performances to claim the award and pip Richmond’s Monique Conti (19) and Adelaide’s Ebony Marinoff (18), who finished second and third respectively.

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Grand Final

Ally Anderson’s Lions teammates lapped up the star’s win. Picture: Chris HydeSource: Getty Images

Conti polled two votes against North Melbourne in Round 10 to briefly take a one-vote lead, before Anderson usurped the Tigers star with the final three votes of the count to win by two.

Remarkably, Conti received no votes for her 30-disposal performance against Carlton in Round 8.

A proud Ghangalu woman and Lions foundation player, Anderson took out the AFLW’s highest honour after a career-best season, averaging 21.8 disposals, 5.1 tackles and 5.1 clearances per game.

Anderson was mobbed by Lions teammates after being declared the winner then accepted the award from Bates at the Gabba as the club continued its preparations for Sunday’s grand final against Melbourne at Springfield’s Brighton Homes Arena.

“I’m in disbelief right now … Just really shocked to be honest. I’m a bit lost for words,” Anderson said during a humble acceptance speech.

“Thank you to my team, you make me a better player and together we make each other better players. I absolutely love playing with you all.

The moment Ally Anderson took out the medal. Picture: Chris HydeSource: Getty Images

“To all of the coaching and high-performance staff, you have done so much for me and the whole team. Having Emily and I both win this award in the same year is a testament to that.”

Anderson first fell in love with the game at the Zillmere Eagles, where she began her football journey.