Brisbane Lions gun midfielder Emily Bates has won the AFLW‘s best and fairest award in a thrilling count, edging out Adelaide’s Anne Hatchard by one point.
Notching 21 votes by the night’s end, including six three-vote hauls, the 26-year-old becomes the first Lion to claim the women’s competition’s highest honour.
Nonetheless, it was her long-time coach, Craig Starcevich, who soon stole the spotlight, sinking a shoey in celebration of Bates’ achievement.
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“I heard you’re doing a shoey tonight because I won this, so…” Bates told the crowd at Tuesday night’s W Awards.
Starcevich then jokingly went to take off his footwear before actually committing to it, pouring a half-full glass of champagne into his right shoe before downing it all in one go.
Bates replied: “OK, I don’t know how I’m meant to keep going after that, but thanks, Craig.”
Speaking to Nine’s Today, Bates said she was still processing her victory after accomplishing one of the most consistent AFLW seasons ever.
“It’s still sinking in I think, obviously I haven’t had it for long [and] I haven’t had much sleep but still definitely sinking in – such an honour,” she said.
“I’m looking forward to the days to come to let it sink in and celebrate it with my teammates and the girls across the league.”
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