MELBOURNE will put a full stop on its premiership season when it crowns its Best and Fairest player of 2021 this Friday night.
The event, which will be held at Crown Palladium, will celebrate the club’s achievements this year with players, staff and fans in attendance.
While it took a full team effort to win the last game in September, there were some standout individual efforts throughout the year which could be rewarded.
Take a look at some of the contenders to take home the top prize on the Demons’ night of nights.
Steven May
After missing All Australian selection last year, Steven May was recognised in 2021, finally receiving his blazer. The full back took on the league’s best forward week in, week out, and was a major factor in why Melbourne conceded less scores than any other side for the season. He came runner-up in this award in 2020 and should be in the mix once again after leading his side to a drought-breaking premiership.
Christian Salem
A hot start to 2021 saw Christian Salem rewarded with a five-year contract in the red and blue. The half-back flanker had his best season at the level to date, averaging a career-high 25 disposals at 77 percent efficiency. Salem’s trusty left boot helped Melbourne rebound from defence into attack, and his Grand Final performance capped off a season that could see him in contention for a podium finish here.
Christian Petracca
Could Christian Petracca claim back-to-back Best and Fairest awards and add to his growing trophy cabinet? The Norm Smith Medallist dominated the finals series averaging 34 disposals in each of the three games, as well as booting five goals throughout September. Petracca, who received All Australian honours and polled 23 votes in the Brownlow Medal, ranked first for inside 50s, fifth for contested possessions and 10th for disposals in the competition this year.
Jake Lever
It was a breakout campaign for Jake Lever, who was the league’s No.1 intercept marker in 2021. The 25-year-old’s fourth season in the red and blue saw him receive an All Australian call-up for his efforts down back, helping the Demons become the best defensive team in the competition. After coming across from Adelaide as a high-profile recruit, Lever did more than justify his worth this season and should be there at the pointy end of the count.
Max Gawn
A golden finals campaign began in Round 23 for Max Gawn, where his shot after the siren handed the Demons the minor premiership. That kick set up a dream run through September, where Gawn bobbed up against the Cats once again with a five-goal haul in the Preliminary Final. Now a premiership captain, and a five-time All Australian, Gawn will be hunting his third ‘Bluey’ following another faultless season.
Clayton Oliver
After a third-place finish in the Brownlow Medal, Clayton Oliver would have to be favourite to take ‘Bluey’ home. The star midfielder averaged 32 disposals per game this season, while leading the league in contested possessions and having the second-most clearances. At just 24 years of age, Oliver could join a list of just six other Demons to win the trophy on three or more occasions, having taken it home in 2017 and 2019.
Ed Langdon
A fourth-place finish in 2020 may be hard to top, but Ed Langdon’s second season with the Demons was equally as impressive as his first. The running wingman had over 22 disposals in nine of the first 10 games, so expect him to jump out of the blocks and get some votes under his belt early. While his ability to work back in defence and perform a team-first role was impressive, Langdon also hit the scoreboard with a career-high 13 goals for the year.
Bayley Fritsch
It was a breakthrough season for Bayley Fritsch who booted 59 goals and earned a spot in the All Australian squad. The left footer kicked multiple majors in 16 of his 24 matches, including a six-goal haul in the Grand Final which saw him come runner-up in the Norm Smith Medal count. In just his fourth year at the level, Fritsch played 24 of the 25 games and will be sure to poll well in the count.
