LAST year, the question leading up to Melbourne’s best and fairest count was will Nathan Jones win back-to-back awards?
In the wash-up, the answer was yes.
This time around, it’s a case of will the first-year co-captain become just the second player behind the late, great Jim Stynes to win three successive Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophies?
It’s a realistic and genuine scenario – and it would be a mighty achievement, if it comes to fruition.
Jones has had arguably his best AFL season.
He amassed career-high numbers in disposals (610), tackles (115), clearances (137), contested possessions (255) and uncontested possessions (355).
The midfielder was consistently among Melbourne’s best throughout the season, but will still have stiff competition.
Fellow ball-winner Dom Tyson is also a leading contender to win this year, which would be an outstanding result, given he entered 2014 with just 13 AFL matches to his name – all with Greater Western Sydney.
In his first season with Melbourne, the 21-year-old has exceeded expectations.
Tyson reaffirmed why he was originally selected at No.3 in the 2011 NAB AFL Draft – and also confirmed he was a decade prospect for the red and blue.
Former Crow Bernie Vince, who also produced a fine first-up season with Melbourne, will be hot on the heels of Jones and Tyson.
Vince had 361 kicks for the season – more than any other Demon – and was a strong performer in 2014.
He is also right in the mix to claim his second club best and fairest – having won it with Adelaide in 2009.
Key defender Lynden Dunn, midfielder Daniel Cross and high-flyer Jeremy Howe are other leading candidates in what promises to be a fascinating count.
2014 best and fairest count: Matt Burgan’s top 10 predictions
1 – Nathan Jones
The co-captain has had another outstanding season and is a big chance to become the second player to win three Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophies in a row since Jim Stynes back in 1995-96-97. Jones cracked the 600-disposal milestone for the first time and averaged almost 28 disposals per match. He once again played every match, continuing his remarkable resilience.
2 – Dom Tyson
A leading contender for this year’s best and fairest, the first-year Demon and ex-Giant entered 2014 with 13 AFL matches, and by the season’s end was one of Melbourne’s best players. He showed maturity beyond his 21 years and was an outstanding recruit for the club. Tyson is likely to jostle with Nathan Jones for this year’s ‘Bluey’.
3 – Bernie Vince
The former Crow had a fine first season in the red and blue and proved to be a valuable acquisition. Looks set for a top four finish and will probably be locked in a contest for third with Lynden Dunn. Like Daniel Cross, who won a best and fairest with the Bulldogs in 2008, Vince could claim his second AFL club champion award, having won Adelaide’s in 2009.
4 – Lynden Dunn
His ninth AFL season was his finest, as he became one of the top defenders in the competition. Dunn was a highly consistent performer across 2014, but his middle part of the season, in particular, was outstanding. Right in the mix to win his first ‘Bluey’, it would be a great reward for the passionate Demon. He is almost certain to finish top four, which would be his best result.
5 – Jeremy Howe
Played every match in 2014 and transformed into an impressive defender, after making the switch from attack early in the year. Still took some outstanding grabs – although not as frequent in his different role – Howe’s rebound and drive out of defence was a highlight. His durability was again a feature – he played every match this year and will vie for his first top five finish.
6 – Daniel Cross
The midfielder’s prospects are akin to Gary Ablett’s 2014 Brownlow Medal chances. Cross could be in front during the count, but given injury struck late in the season – he missed five matches – it may prove costly. Just as Ablett is still regarded as a leading contender for this year’s Charlie – despite injury – so too, is Cross for Melbourne’s best and fairest.
7 – James Frawley
The All-Australian defender started the season in defence, before he was shifted to attack in round three against GWS to help cover the absence of key forwards Mitch Clark and Jesse Hogan. Frawley played some fine matches in his unfamiliar role, before returning down back more often in the latter part of the season. The club’s leading marker in 2014 with 156 grabs looks likely to claim a top 10 finish.
8 – Jack Watts
Played every match in 2014 and achieved career-best numbers in several statistics, including disposals. Watts’ durability was once again on show and the 23-year-old now has 95 matches to his name. He arguably had his most consistent season for the red and blue and is right in the mix to gain his first top ten finish in the best and fairest.
9 – Jack Viney
The tough midfielder reinforced why he’s a long-term prospect with a fine second season, playing every match from round three after returning from an interrupted pre-season. Viney’s tenacity and thirst for the contest was again evident from start to finish. He looks set to claim his first top 10 placing – a fine effort by the 20-year-old.
10 – Cameron Pedersen
After a tough first season with the Demons in 2013, after crossing from the Kangaroos, the versatile big man had his best AFL season and was one of the most improved players in the competition, playing up forward and pinch-hitting in the ruck. Pedersen missed just three matches late in the season, but his form, particularly in the first half of 2014 was impressive.
Others in the mix …
Key defender Tom McDonald has had another solid season and missed just one match. He once again gave his all and could finish anywhere from six and 12. Neville Jetta had his finest year, but missed six matches, which could push him down slightly. Still, such was his impact as a small defender, it wouldn’t surprise if he was like McDonald, potentially finishing from six to 12. Jack Grimes played every match up until round 18, before injury hit, which could see him on the edge of the top 10. Matt Jones played 20 matches for the season and could be around the top 10. Ruckman Mark Jamar missed the first five matches, before bouncing back to have his best season since 2010. He could be around the 10 to 15 mark. Rohan Bail had his best year and played all but one match. He too could be on the cusp of top 10. Chris Dawes was Melbourne’s main target in attack this year and is a rough chance to slide into the top 10.
