EMILY Bates is playing the best football of her career, and Brisbane's dual All-Australian credits a part of her success to lifestyle changes she implemented during the off-season.

Bates has led the reigning premier to three straight wins, and in the process been one of the most influential players in the competition with her 22 disposals and five clearances a game.

Equally important, the 26-year-old has become a regular goalkicker, doubling her career tally from three to six in the past three weeks.

00:41

Bates against the grain delivers the goods

Emily Bates has given her side a ripping start to the second half with this snap against the strong breeze

Bates says a combination of off-season training decisions and dietary choices have helped her play such dazzling footy.

"I've always come into each pre-season in decent nick, but just a few mindset changes and habit changes are paying off," she said.

"I used to tick off all the sessions in the off-season, but I used to do them on my own, having to juggle work and our AFLW careers.

"This year I decided to stop choosing that convenience and doing it when it suited me and start doing it with the group.

"Even though it meant I was getting home later at night, it meant I was pushing myself that bit further.

"I think that's really helped and I'm definitely the fittest and strongest I've been, and I think it's because of that."

09:03

Mid-season review: How Roos become a contender, the teams under pressure

Sarah Black and Nat Edwards take a look at the 2022 NAB AFLW season so far

Bates has been one of Brisbane's most consistent players from the moment she was the club's first draftee (No.2 overall) heading into the competition's inaugural season.

She has a best and fairest to go alongside her All-Australian honours but is always striving to improve.

This led to a couple of dietary decisions, not major ones, but ones Bates thought might give her another edge.

"I used to habitually have a little dessert every night, so no more dessert or excess sugar here and there," she said.

"No sauces. Little things I just didn't need that you always add to the side of your meal.

"Just cleaning it up and seeing how it's affected me.

"The girls pay me out, but I think they can see little sacrifices are worth it, so I think a few of them are doing the same thing."

Did you head to the footy over the weekend? Tell us your thoughts! Take the survey now