WILL Nathan Jones go back-to-back?
Can Colin Sylvia break through for his first? Or will Colin Garland’s finest season be rewarded with his first best and fairest?
But perhaps it could be one of the two bargain basement recruits of the year Dean Terlich or Matt Jones to cap off a stunning first season? Or will high flyer Jeremy Howe swoop them all?
All of this will be revealed on Thursday night, when the 2013 Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy will be announced at Crown.
Although Melbourne’s 2013 was a season to forget, several players still had strong years.
My tip for this year’s best and fairest is Nathan Jones.
I think the vice captain has been the outstanding Melbourne player for 2013.
It could be argued Jones had an even better year than his 2012 winning best and fairest season, given the greater heat placed on him by opposition teams. His disposals were similar: 516 in 2012 to 508 this year - although he played 21 matches last year and featured in every game in 2013. It was the third consecutive season he’s amassed 500 or more disposals.
Interestingly, Jones is the only current best and fairest winner still on Melbourne’s list.
I reckon Jones will edge out runner-up Garland and Sylvia for third. I wouldn’t be surprised if either of them claimed their first best and fairest. Garland had an outstanding season. He took his game to another level and enhanced his reputation as a leader. And Sylvia produced a very consistent season and will push for his first best and fairest this year.
But splitting third was extremely tough, with Terlich equally deserving for position. In fact, it would not surprise me at all if Terlich capped off his outstanding season with the best and fairest. Howe rounds out my top five, although Matt Jones, who had a fine first year like Terlich, should also be around the top five.
The following list looks at the potential top 10 and those in the mix to finish around the mark …
Matt Burgan’s top 10 – 2013 Melbourne best and fairest count
1 – Nathan Jones
After winning his first Keith ‘Bluey’ Truscott Memorial Trophy in 2012, I believe the vice captain can claim back-to-back honours. He has been Melbourne’s most consistent performer in 2013.
2 – Colin Garland
The defender had arguably his best AFL season and passed the 100-game milestone. Garland was a model of consistency and would be a more than worthy winner. He’s my runner up tip.
3 – Colin Sylvia
Aside from missing three matches through suspension, Sylvia produced a very consistent year, and will be right in the mix for his first best and fairest. It wouldn’t surprise if he won it, but I think a top three finish or four finish is likely.
4 – Dean Terlich
The defender was of the bright spots of the year, playing all but two matches in his first season. He is not without a chance of winning, which would cap off a fairytale return after being a rookie with the Swans in 2008. Top four for mine.
5 – Jeremy Howe
Howe’s first half of the season was particularly good, which should put the high flyer right up there. It would not surprise if he was leading early on. He missed just one match with a calf injury in round 20. Probably a top six finish.
6 – Matt Jones
One of 2013’s good news stories, the 25 year-old midfielder took his opportunity, playing every game after being picked at No. 52 in last year’s NAB AFL Draft. Like Terlich, should figure prominently in voting. I expect top seven.
7 – Jack Trengove
A foot stress fracture last December rocked the second half of his pre-season, but the co-captain fought back to play all but two matches for the season. I would expect him to finish six to 10.
8 – Lynden Dunn
A hamstring injury interrupted the defender’s start, but he bounced back to play every match from round six. One of the best in the second half of the season, it would not surprise if he snuck into top five. I expect him to place five to eight.
9 – Jack Watts
The tall forward/defender hit back from being an emergency in round three and a hamstring injury that ruled him out for three games, to produce a good second half of 2013. I expect him to finish on the cusp of the top 10.
10 – Jack Grimes
The co-captain was one of Melbourne’s best early in the year, before he missed seven matches with a collarbone injury. He returned to play the final nine games of the season. He might just sneak into top 10.
Next five in line … Tom McDonald (11th), James Frawley (12th), Shannon Byrnes (13th), Aaron Davey (14th) and Jack Viney (15th).
Given Tom McDonald missed five matches and James Frawley was sidelined for six matches, I think they could be on the cusp of the top 10. They produced some strong performance, often under immense pressure, but their absence in several games could push them down the order. Shannon Byrnes missed five matches, but was otherwise a regular. Aaron Davey capped off an outstanding career playing 20 matches in 2013 and shone in several matches, but he also started as a sub in six matches, which could keep him around the top 12 to 15 mark. Jack Viney should finish in the top 15, even though he missed eight matches, including seven with a toe injury. Yet he still played some top games for a first year player, which was a fine achievement.
