ORLA O'Dwyer has won her first Brisbane best and fairest award, edging energetic midfielder Belle Dawes in a close count on Sunday night.
O’Dwyer (171 votes) was consistent right through the 12 rounds and capped an excellent individual season that started with captaining Ireland in the historic NAB AFLW representative match against Australia in August.
The hard-running winger was able to outlast Dawes (165) and countrywoman Jennifer Dunne (160) who was part of a backline that kept the Lions in plenty of matches.
O’Dwyer described the win as a "huge achievement" and one her family in Ireland would be proud of.
"It means so much for my family, they've been such an amazing support," she said.
"They're my biggest supporters and watch every game regardless of the time.
"For them, I'm super proud to get this award."
The 28-year-old from Tipperary was scouted by Lions coach Craig Starcevich and signed as a rookie at the end of 2019.
Since then, O'Dwyer has played 94 games, been an integral part of two premierships and won an All-Australian blazer in 2022 (season six).
She still remembers the first conversation over Facetime with Starcevich and then head of women's football, Bree Brock.
"The one thing I loved that they kept saying was they wanted me to keep my style and keep the way I played Gaelic Football.
"They didn’t want to change me.
"I loved how they wanted to keep my attributes and what I bring. He won me over that way, for sure."
2026 Brisbane club champion award
1. Orla O'Dwyer – 171
2. Belle Dawes – 165
3. Jennifer Dunne – 160
=4. Tahlia Hickie – 155
=4. Sophie Conway – 155
6. Bre Koenen – 154
7. Nat Grider – 146
8. Shannon Campbell – 143
=9. Cathy Svarc – 135
=9. Charlie Mullins - 135
Voting process: each of Brisbane's four coaches gives a score of zero to five for each match, meaning a maximum score of 20 is available.