Geelong’s All Australian defender Tom Stewart has added the 2021 ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal to his growing list of achievements.
The dashing Cats defender, in just his fifth AFL season, enjoyed his finest year. Stewart played 20 games, missing the Cats last five matches due to a Lisfranc injury. He averaged 24 disposals and nine marks per game.
Stewart earned his third All Australian blazer en route to claiming the best & fairest honour.
Fellow defender Jack Henry placed second after enjoying his strongest season. Henry, in just his fourth season, was a pillar of strength as a tall defender. He played 24 games, missing only the opening round clash with Adelaide.
Tom Hawkins finished third after finishing as runner up in the Coleman medal and leading Geelong’s goal kicking for the 10th consecutive season. Hawkins finished the season with 62 goals and was named to the All Australian team for the fourth time.
One of the most popular players at GMHBA Stadium, Hawkins also claimed the Tom Harley award as best clubman. The Tom Harley award goes to the player that demonstrated outstanding care for his teammates, invests time and interest in all levels of the playing group and who champions the club and team values whilst working towards the greater good of the Geelong Football Club.
Isaac Smith, in his first season with the Cats after crossing from Hawthorn, finished fourth, with 2020 winner Cameron Guthrie in fifth place.
First year Cat Max Holmes was named as Best Young Player. After being selected with the 20th pick of the 2020 national draft, Holmes broke through to play 12 games in his maiden season. He played in two of the Cats finals and used his pace to great advantage in his first AFL campaign.
Esava Ratugolea was named the Carter Family Community Champion award for his outstanding commitment to the inclusion space in 2021. Ratugolea has been the club’s AFL men’s representative at Welcome to Geelong and Welcome to our Game initiatives, hosting CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) communities at GMHBA Stadium throughout the AFLW season.
Ratugolea attended an Iftar Dinner staged by a group of Afghan women through Diversitat during the holy month of Ramadan, proudly representing the club and immersing himself in cultural awareness.
At VFL level, ruckman Darcy Fort claimed the best & fairest award ahead of Oscar Brownless and Charlie Constable.
Earlier this year midfielder Amy McDonald captured her first AFLW best & fairest, claiming the award ahead of captain and All Australian defender Meg McDonald. Becky Webster placed third in the award.
The Cats VFLW team was denied a shot at premiership glory when the grand final was cancelled. Claudia Gunjaca claimed the best & fairest ahead of Paige Sheppard and Annabel Johnson.
‘Carji’ Greeves Medal top 10
1. Tom Stewart - 214 votes
2. Jack Henry - 212 votes
3. Tom Hawkins - 189 votes
4. Isaac Smith - 187 votes
5. Cam Guthrie - 182 votes
6. Mark Blicavs - 156 votes
7. Brad Close - 155 votes
8. Joel Selwood - 147 votes
9. Jed Bews - 143 votes
10. Brandan Parfitt - 140 votes
