Geelong midfielder Patrick Dangerfield claimed his second 'Carji' Greeves Medal on Thursday night.
Dangerfield becomes just the 12th player in Geelong history to claim back-to-back best and fairest awards.
Dangerfield polled 240 votes to win from Mitch Duncan (225.5) and Zach Tuohy (222). Skipper Joel Selwood came in fourth with 213.5 and first year Cat Tom Stewart was fifth with 195.
Dangerfield led Geelong in disposals (718), inside 50s (127), clearances (172) and contested possession (430). He also booted a career best 45 goals. He had 14 games with at least 30 possessions and kicked multiple goals 13 times.
Duncan enjoyed his finest season, averaging 29.1 disposals per game. His previous best ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal finish came in 2014 when he finished third.
Tuohy enjoyed a brilliant first season at Simonds Stadium. Acquired from Carlton in a trade, Tuohy showed the ability to both attack and defend from the backline.
Selwood and Dangerfield were neck and neck through much of the season before Dangerfield pulled away late in the campaign.
Previous back-to-back winners include Selwood, Garry Hocking, Mark Bos, David Clarke, Ian Nankervis, Bruce Nankervis, Graeme ‘Polly’ Farmer, Tommy Quinn, George ‘Jocka’ Todd, Dick Grigg and Henry ‘Tracker’ Young.
Top 10: ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal
Patrick Dangerfield (240)
Mitch Duncan (225.5)
Zach Tuohy (219.5)
Joel Selwood (213.5)
Tom Stewart (195)
Sam Menegola (194)
Lachie Henderson (190)
Zac Smith (188)
Jed Bews (187)
Harry Taylor (186.5)
Award winners
VFL Best & Fairest: James Tsitas
James Tsitas capped off a consistent season by claiming the 2017 Geelong VFL Best & Fairest Award.
The 22-year-old tallied 322 votes to finish marginally ahead of first year player Ben Reid (309 votes) and VFL stalwart Jake Edwards (287).
Following in the footsteps of Tom Ruggles (2015 winner) and Tom Atkins (2016), Tsitas becomes the third straight VFL listed player to take out the award.
Tsitas found himself amongst the Cats’ best players 10 times.
VFLW Best & Fairest: Lily Mithen
Lily Mithen took out the inaugural Geelong Cats VFLW Best & Fairest award for season 2017.
Mithen finished on 294 votes ahead of Cassie Blakeway (287 votes) in second and Anna Teague (280) in third.
After junior football with Newtown and the North Geelong Magpies, Mithen played 12 games for the Cats this season.
The 19-year-old midfielder’s terrific season was also capped off with selection in the VFLW Team of the Year.
Tom Harley Award (best clubman): Scott Selwood
Scott Selwood was voted the best clubman by his coaches and teammates, taking out the 2017 Tom Harley Award.
The Tom Harley Award is presented to the player who demonstrates 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.
Best Young Player: Tom Stewart
Tom Stewart played 21 games in his debut season, averaging 15 possessions while earning a permanent spot among the back six. Stewart provided run from the backline and was able to curb the influence of his direct opponents in an impressive first season.
Community Champion: Scott Selwood
Scott Selwood won the 2017 Community Champion award at tonight’s ‘Carji’ Greeves Medal night.
A dedicated and enthusiastic ambassador for the Barwon Health Foundation since 2016, Scott’s commitment to the Foundation has gone from strength to strength through his work on ward walks, media opportunities and fundraising events.
Scott’s overall commitment to the club’s Cats in the Community program has been outstanding through his work in the Cats Care, Footy Cats, Read the Play and Healthy Heroes programs.
Scott is a true leader and exemplifies what it means to be a community champion.
