Belle Dawes has capped off her stellar 2025 campaign being crowned the Brisbane Lions Best and Fairest for the first time following a brilliant year in which the Club reached their fourth NAB
AFLW Grand Final in as many seasons.
The energetic midfielder, who led the count after three rounds, reclaimed the lead after Round 12 and never looked back, polling an impressive 226 votes to finish eight votes ahead of fellow
midfielder Ally Anderson (218 votes).
Dawes now adds to her ever-increasing resume as a Lions Best and Fairest winner, along with being named in the All-Australian team in 2024.
“I am extremely honoured and grateful to receive this award and humbled to be listed alongside so many great Lions players,” Dawes said.
“I am very fortunate to be part of such an incredible team who make me a better player.
“If it wasn’t for the group I have around me along with our amazing coaches and support staff then I wouldn’t be in this position, so a big thank you to every one of them.”
Dawes averaged 20.3 disposals per game, along with 5.9 tackles and 3.3 clearances.
The 24-year produced an impressive finals series, where she averaged 25.3 disposals, having an impact without the ball by laying an average of 6.3 tackles in the three finals including eight in
the Grand Final.
Season 2025 was an also an impressive year for runner-up Ally Anderson.
Averaging 24.6 disposals, Anderson further built on her reputation as one of the premier midfielders of the competition.
Best and Fairest – Top 10
1. Belle Dawes – 226
2. Ally Anderson – 218
3. Jade Ellenger – 215
4. Tahlia Hickie – 204
5. Courtney Hodder – 202
6. Jennifer Dunne – 194
7. Orla O’Dwyer – 194
8. Charlotte Mullins – 189
9. Sophie Conway – 187
10. Shannon Campbell – 180
Other Awards
Best Finals Player – Belle Dawes
Rising Star Award – Neasa Dooley
All For One Award – Shannon Campbell
The Lionhearted Award – Tahlia Hickie
Most Relentless – Courtney Hodder
Trademark Player – Courtney Hodder
Youi Game Changer Award – Ally Anderson
