MATTHEW Bate has finished runner-up in the 2011 J.J. Liston Trophy for the VFL’s best and fairest player.
Bate came second to former Demon and now dual Liston Trophy winner Shane Valenti.
Valenti, who played 25 matches for Melbourne, from 2008-09, polled 25 votes to claim back to back victories.
Bate finished with 15 votes, after impressing for Casey during the season.
He finished the AFL season on a high, collecting 26 disposals in Melbourne’s round 24 loss against Port Adelaide at Adelaide Oval.
Williamstown’s Ben Jolley finished third in the J.J. Liston Trophy.
2011 J.J. Liston Trophy votes
S. Valenti - Port Melbourne (25)
M. Bate - Casey Scorpions (15)
B. Jolley - Williamstown (13)
R. McKenzie - North Ballarat (12)
W. Minson - Williamstown (12)
C. Richardson - North Ballarat (11)
A. Bentick - Port Melbourne (11)
C. Cain - Port Melbourne (11)
O. Stephenson - North Ballarat (10)
A. Iacobucci - Northern Bullants (10)
T. Tuck - Werribee Tigers (10)
B. Goodes - Williamstown (10)
