Bates led by example in her first season as captain, featuring in all but one game for the 2024 season. In her 12 appearances, Bates averaged 21 disposals, 4.6 clearances and a total of five goals for the year. Week 8 of the 2024 season saw Bates break Hawthorn’s AFLW record for disposals in a game, racking up 34 touches, which was also a career high. She finished runner-up in the club’s best and fairest count for 2024 and was judged a joint winner of the Best Player in Finals. Bates also finished fourth in the league Best and Fairest count in 2024.
