Brisbane Lions star Ally Anderson hopes historical past repeats in additional methods than one after following in teammate Emily Bates’ footsteps by claiming the AFLW finest and fairest award.
Two many years after Jason Akermanis and Simon Black took out the Brownlow Medal in consecutive seasons, the Lions are once more toasting successive competitors champions.
Akermanis and Black added AFL premiership medals to their particular person success, and Anderson has a shot at the same feat in Sunday’s AFLW decider towards Melbourne.
A quiet phrase from coach Craig Starcevich alerted Anderson to the symmetry.
“Craig … was saying how it happened 20 years before with Aker and Blacky,” the 28-year-old Lions midfielder instructed reporters on Wednesday.
“To be in their position is pretty exciting and I’m so glad Emily got the chance to hand over the medal in person.
“It’s so thrilling for the membership usually and for the group, as effectively.”
As was the case for Akermanis and Black in their Brownlow years – which came during the Lions’ AFL triple-premiership dynasty under Leigh Matthews – Anderson was not present at Tuesday’s main awards ceremony in Melbourne.
Instead, she and her Lions teammates remained in Brisbane to prepare for the grand final.
Anderson left no doubt when asked whether a premiership medal or best and fairest award was more important to her.
“Sunday on daily basis. I’d give this up in a heartbeat,” she said.
Anderson’s best and fairest celebration was relatively muted, capped by a cup of tea and 12.30am bed time.
But she said accepting the medal from AFLW season six winner Bates made the moment extra special.
“We met within the under-18s Queensland squad … and we have been actually shut ever since,” Anderson stated.
“She’s superb, such an unimaginable help and somebody I’ve actually appeared as much as my complete profession.
“To have her around and be as excited for me as I was for her is an incredible feeling.”
