Brisbane Lion Ally Anderson takes out AFLW top gong in tense W Award count

Ally Anderson has flown under the radar for much of her AFLW career.

So much so she wasn’t named in the season seven All Australian team announced last night.

But Anderson can’t go unnoticed anymore. Now she’s the AFLW’s best player.

On Tuesday night in front of a packed Crown Palladium, the 28-year-old was crowned the AFLW’s best and fairest, claiming her maiden W Award.

The prolific and skilful midfielder watched the count from a private function in Brisbane, set to play a big part in the Lions bid for their second AFLW premiership on Sunday against Melbourne.

After entering the final round of the count one vote ahead of the pack, you couldn’t wipe the smile off Anderson’s face as she polled three votes in round 10 to finish on 21 ahead of Richmond star and pre-count favourite Monique Conti (19).

Crows midfielder Ebony Marinoff rounded out the podium on 18 votes.

Anderson was presented the medal by teammate Emily Bates, who was crowned the season six best and fairest in April, making it consecutive nods for the Lions.

Camera Icon Ally Anderson the 2022 AFL Women’s Best and Fairest winner for Season Seven is seen on the live-cross during the 2022 W Awards at Crown Palladium on November 22, 2022 in Various Cities, Australia. Credit: Kelly Defina/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

After averaging 22 disposals, five clearances and five tackles throughout the season, Anderson’s career best season culminated in three best on ground performances to storm home.

“I’m in disbelief right now,” Anderson said.

“It wasn’t until he (Gillon McLachlan) called my name right at the end. I wasn’t expecting it.

“We’re really excited to get out there and play (in the grand final). I feel like the real dangly (medal) is at the end of the week and that’s what we’re striving for.”

Camera Icon Alexandra Anderson of the Lions in action during the 2022 S7 AFLW Round 06 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Essendon Bombers at Moreton Bay Central Sports Complex on October 2, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. Credit: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos

A former W medallist in 2021, Fremantle star Kiara Bowers was the highlight of an otherwise disappointing night for WA’s local hopefuls.

Despite missing selection in the season seven All Australian team, Bowers led the polling for Fremantle, finishing on 14 votes.

That included three best on ground performance against Melbourne, Sydney and Hawthorn.

It came after Bowers compiled arguably a better season then when she claimed the league’s top prize, setting an AFLW record for the most tackles in a game (22), leading the competition in clearances and tackles and polling 10 coaches association votes in three straight losses.

Camera Icon Alexandra Anderson of the Lions poses during the 2022 W Awards at Gabba on November 22, 2022 in Brisbane, Australia. Credit: Chris Hyde/AFL Photos/via AFL Photos

After being named in the initial All Australian squad of 42, Eagles captain Emma Swanson also missed the final cut but topped West Coast’s vote tally with 10 votes.

North Melbourne defender Emma Kearney made history as the only player to be named in all seven AFLW All-Australian teams, yet to miss selection since the competition started.

The final team featured 10 debutants, including Brisbane captain Breanna Koenen who is set to lead her Lions into the season decider on Sunday.

Nine teams were represented in this year’s side with Brisbane and Adelaide leading all clubs with four players apiece.

Camera Icon Alexandra Anderson of the Lions in action during the 2022 S7 AFLW First Preliminary Final match between the Brisbane Lions and the Adelaide Crows at Metricon Stadium on November 18, 2022 in the Gold Coast, Australia. Credit: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos

Port Adelaide midfielder Hannah Ewings was awarded the AFLW Rising Star award with 41 votes, pipping first-year Eagle Ella Roberts who finished fourth on 15.

Subiaco product and Port teammate Abbey Dowrick finished second.

After winning a premiership with SANFLW side North Adelaide earlier this year, Ewings dominated the AFLW National Championships and was the first South Australian to be selected in June’s draft.

“There’s a lot of great young women out here so to be recognised is very humbling,” she said.

Lions sharpshooter Jesse Wardlaw took home the leading goalkicker award with a record 22 home and away goals but declared she is “ready to kick some more” in Sunday’s grand final.