Luke McDonald has capped off an outstanding season, winning his first Syd Barker Medal.
The 25-year-old finished on 183 votes, ahead of emerging youngster Jy Simpkin (140) and hard-nosed midfielder Jed Anderson (138).
After being sidelined with a broken ankle in July last year, McDonald emerged stronger than ever, and bounced back in style.
He shut down some of the most influential players in the game in the early part of the season, tagging the likes of Bontempelli, Greene and Shiel.
Often switching roles, the rebounding defender had three 30-plus disposal games from Round 9 onwards and another two with more than 25 touches. He averaged 20 disposals, 4 marks and 2.6 tackles and ranked sixth in the AFL for rebound 50s.
Meanwhile Simpkin, proved to be one of North’s most improved players, with the 22-year-old taking his game to a new level.
The number 12 also averaged 20 disposals, 3.7 tackles and 4.3 clearances (18th in the competition and youngest in the top 20).
Anderson rounded out the top three, narrowly edging out ruckman Todd Goldstein.
The inside-midfielder averaged career-best numbers with 21 disposals, 2.7 marks and 3.5 inside 50s, to go with 5 tackles and 4.3 clearances.
Top 10:
Luke McDonald – 183
Jy Simpkin - 140
Jed Anderson - 138
Todd Goldstein - 131
Trent Dumont - 128
Robbie Tarrant - 93
Josh Walker - 92
Shaun Higgins - 88
Ben McKay - 75
Cameron Zurhaar – 70
Other awards:
Life Member: Shaun Atley
The Mazda Excellence Award: Luke McDonald
Harold Henderson Best Clubman Award: Luke McDonald
Peter Scanlon Community Award: Ed Vickers-Willis
Shinboner of the Year Award: Luke McDonald
Best Young Player Award: Bailey Scott
