Reigning AFLW best-and-fairest winner Emily Bates has turned her back on "ridiculous" offers from expansion clubs to stick with the Brisbane Lions.
After taking out her third Lions best-and-fairest award on Wednesday night, Bates confirmed she would be remaining in the Queensland capital.
Hawthorn, one of four new teams entering the AFLW next season, reportedly put a massive deal in front of the 26-year-old.
Bates staying is a huge relief for the Lions, who were knocked out in this year's preliminary final by Melbourne, after winning the 2021 premiership.
Lions coach Craig Starcevich, who has also recommitted to the club for another two years, warned the AFLW's incoming teams about poaching his players.
One of the AFLW's inaugural eight clubs, the Lions were hit hard during the first round of expansion as they lost a number of star players.
"It will all come out in the wash but she's (Bates) actually sacrificed a fair bit to be here because the four (new) teams are just being ridiculous with offers and that will all come out at some point," Starcevich told the Lions' website.
"We're just ecstatic she's chosen us.
"She's a great driver of standards and her training ethic is beyond peer really so she's quite an influence in our group.
"We've done too much hard work to (not) keep these people and they're all in the age group that's right in the finals window.
"We're a chance now to keep these people together and go really hard at the next couple of seasons."
In Bates' acceptance speech, the ace midfielder passionately addressed how much the club meant to her.
The Lions have been one of the most consistent teams since the first AFLW season back in 2017, missing finals just once.
"We have a sisterhood here with the girls and we are on the brink of something pretty special here if we keep the group together," Bates said.
"At the end of the day, I play football for team success ... I see that happening in the next few years here and that's what informed my decision.
"I think the grass isn't always greener on the other side, it's green where you water it."
Carlton were dealt a massive blow earlier this month when former league best-and-fairest winner Madison Prespakis and Georgia Gee were snapped up by Essendon.
There will almost certainly be more player movement between clubs before the start of next season, expected for August.
