What a year it has been for Annie Lee already.
Returning to where it all started, Lee commenced 2026 with Geelong's VFLW program, playing in 14 games and frequently featuring amongst the Cats' best players.
It led to her being rewarded with selection in the 2026 VFLW Team of the Year, an outstanding recognition for a stellar campaign that helped lead Geelong to five consecutive wins to conclude their season.
But that was not all, as Lee's strong form saw her added to Geelong's AFLW list prior to the season, earning a debut in Round 4 against Essendon and then backing that up with a strong performance against Adelaide last Saturday.
Speaking with Cats Media after the match, Lee said it was a well-rounded effort from the team, to clinch their first ever AFLW victory over the Crows.
"We obviously knew the history, that we hadn't beaten the Crows before, so I think that was a little bit of motivation there," Lee said.
"But we stuck to our method, that really helped us out on the field today.
"Mick talks about being clean and making sure that the player in the hunt layer is doing the job and getting the ball out, then the support layers being clean as well.
"I think that really helped and led to a few goals, so it was really good to be a part of."
Geelong recorded their fourth consecutive win last weekend with another strong performance, defeating the Crows by 11 points at Unley Oval.
It leaves the Cats in fifth position on the ladder through five weeks of the season, heading into another clash against the 0-5 Magpies this weekend.
Despite the victory over Adelaide, the Cats did not have it their own way as they had to stave off a late challenge from the home side, with Adelaide kicking the final three goals of the game.
Holding firm in the final moments of the match, Lee said the defensive unit buckled down and helped to restrict the Crows when the game was there to be won.
"We obviously try to stay present," Lee said.
"As a backline group, the ball is going to get kicked in quite dangerously.
"We just wanted to make sure that we are composed and when it is your turn to go, you go.
"Really proud of the girls to stick with it through that last quarter."
