Star Hawthorn midfielder Emily Bates has won just about every individual accolade you can think of. 

The 27-year-old is a four-time club best and fairest winner, league best and fairest winner, premiership player, AFLCA Champion Player and AFLPA Champion Player.

When Fox Sports’ Ruby Schleicher read out those accolades to Bates, the midfielder was humbled.

“I think it’s pretty surreal when you hear those accolades,” Bates said.

“Obviously it’s something that you never play for but I think when you’re first drafted, you want to be considered consistent and a contributor each week so it’s crazy to even hear that now.

“It’s pretty special but it just shows that if you put the work in to consistently get better then anything can happen.”

With a list of accolades like Bates has, one would think she would be satisfied.

But true to her character, the 27-year-old wants more, not for herself, but for those around her. 

“I’m most excited about the journey we’re about to embark on,” she said.

“I know it’s not going to be easy, there’s going to be highs and lows but I’m excited to watch these players develop and to be on a different journey.

“I think when you first start playing, it’s all about yourself and how good you can get and what you can achieve as well as achieving team success but for me, now it just feels like I’m ready to develop others, to serve others, to show them what they can do.

“That’s just a different journey for me, a different mindset.

“I’m excited to do that because I think it’s going to be more worthwhile than anything.”

Bates and the Hawks are set to commence their 2023 campaign on the first weekend in September.