DANIEL Cross has won the James McDonald Trophy for the club’s best team man for 2014.
Cross, who shifted to Melbourne as a delisted free agent at the end of the 2013 season, has had a fine first season with the club, after an outstanding career with the Western Bulldogs.
The veteran midfielder played all but five matches, when a fractured leg kept him out of the side late in the season.
Midfielder Dom Tyson received the Harold Ball Memorial Trophy as Melbourne’s best young player.
The 21-year-old played every match this season, after entering 2014 with just 13 matches to his name, which he chalked up with GWS.
He quickly became an integral player for the club and looms as an outstanding long-term prospect.
Defender Neville Jetta capped off an outstanding return to form by winning the coaches award – Norm Smith Memorial Trophy.
Jetta, who was delisted at the end of the 2013 season and was redrafted as a rookie, became one of the stories of the competition, as he became an integral part of the Melbourne defence.
He managed to shut down some of the best small forwards in the game.
Forward Jack Watts received the club ambassador award – the Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy.
Watts had arguably his most consistent season at the club, playing all 22 matches.
He gained the award for his all-round work at the club.
Defender Lynden Dunn, who had his finest AFL season in 2014, won the leadership award – the Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy.
Dunn took his game to another level in 2014 and became a general in the defence.
His leadership was particularly evident this year and that was recognised early in the season when he was elevated to the leadership group.
Ruckman Max Gawn gained the Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy winner – for the best Melbourne-listed player at Casey.
Gawn played nine matches for Melbourne this season, but also dominated when he played for Casey.
His form in the VFL, before he was recalled to the AFL for the final four matches of the season, was scintillating.
2014 Melbourne best and fairest
James McDonald Trophy (best team man) – Daniel Cross
Harold Ball Memorial Trophy (best young player) – Dom Tyson
Norm Smith Memorial Trophy (coaches award) – Neville Jetta
Ian Ridley Memorial Trophy (club ambassador award) – Jack Watts
Ron Barassi Jnr Trophy (leadership award) – Lynden Dunn
Troy Broadbridge Memorial Trophy winner (Best Melbourne-listed player at Casey) – Max Gawn
