NEWLY crowned AFLW best and fairest Emily Bates has paid tribute to her late father Lloyd, who was instrumental in her football development.
"Dad was just one of those club people, just did everything and filled every role in terms of water runner, team manager, coach. Just all those little things at a football club that helps them run," Bates told Credit to the Girls podcast.
LION QUEEN Bates wins thrilling B&F
"I'd be by his side at footy training every Tuesday and Thursday night with the men, and then all weekend watching games, even though I probably didn't want to as a little kid. I became part of the fabric at the footy club, and learned what it's like to be around a club and grow that love of it.
"He coached all my junior years, under-12s, under-15s, he even created an under-17s league here in Brissie, because at that point you had to go from under-15s to women's, and he didn't want me to do that, so he thought he'd pitch to get a competition going.
"He did so much for Queensland footy, then sadly passed away suddenly in 2010, which was a shock to the family, and I play for him every time I do play, and I wish he could see these moments, but I know he'd be proud."
EPISODE GUIDE
0.40 – Emily Bates joins the show
1.50 – Starce's shoey bet << WATCH IT IN THE PLAYER BELOW
4.20 – Bates takes us through the count
5.10 – The influence of Lloyd Bates on Queensland women's footy
6.57 – Pushing herself on the track
8.20 – The Brisbane floods
10.03 – The Brisbane Lions AFLW journey
12.12 – Playing in big stadiums
