Darcy Fort is officially the 2021 Geelong VFL Best & Fairest winner, polling 102 votes from all nine of Geelong’s VFL games for the 2021 season.
Fort had a fantastic year as one of the competition’s premiere rucks, averaging 18.8 disposals, 20 hitouts and 5.6 clearances per game.
His combination of outstanding ruck-work and strong contested marking up forward showcased just how skilled he is through the contest and in the air.
Fort thanked coach Shane O'Bree, Geelong support team and his family when he spoke during the live coverage of the Carji Greeves Medal on Thursday night.
“I’d just like to thank “Cheese” and all the coaches for all their help during the year,” he said.
“Darren and Jess and all the other VFL physios and staff that did their job every weekend to make sure all the Banker boys can get out on the park.”
“I’d like to give a big thank you to “Jas” and my family, just for all their constant support throughout the year.”
“Finally, to all the Banker boys, I think it’s a great credit to the program that all the AFL boys come down to VFL level and have a great attitude.”
“Similar to the VFL boys, they’re always there giving their all, so too all those guys I’d just like to say a big thank you.”
In what was a difficult season to navigate, Fort could still see the squad’s achievements as a big positive moving forward.
“It probably wasn’t the finish to the year that we wanted, but the way we went about it during the year we should be really commended,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to bigger and better things next year from the Banker boys.”
Oscar Brownless finished in second with 93 votes after playing the year on the wing and through the midfield.
Fellow young gun Charlie Constable was one vote behind Brownless in third place with 92 votes.
Cats VFL Best & Fairest Top 10
1. Darcy Fort - 102
2. Oscar Brownless - 93
3. Charlie Constable - 92
4. Darcy Lang - 86
5. Jackson McLachlan - 81
6. Jackson Thurlow - 72
7. Stefan Okunbor - 68
8. Aaron Black - 67
9. Nick Stevens - 65
10. Ben Jarvis - 63
