Bendigo Bank Cats captain Tom Atkins and tough defender James Tsitas were named in the Team of the Year at the VFL Best & Fairest at Crown Palladium on Monday night.

Atkins was named at ruck rover after averaging 22 disposals (13 contested), five clearances and 10 tackles in his 18 VFL matches this season.

An impressive young leader, Atkins' leadership was acknowledged by being named captain, something that is surely set to boost is AFL draft credentials in the eye of recruiters.

The 22-year-old also finished equal sixth in the JJ Liston Trophy with 13 votes, six behind joint winners Anthony Miles (Richmond) and Michael Gibbons (Williamstown).

Tsitas put together another outstanding season to be named in the VFL Team of the Year for the second consecutive year.

Named in the back pocket, the 23-year-old featured in 18 matches, averaging 21.5 disposals and five marks per game.


JJ Liston Trophy Leaderboard
Anthony Miles (Richmond) – 19 votes
Michael Gibbons (Williamstown) – 19 votes
Alex Woodward (Collingwood) – 16 votes
Sam Collins (Werribee) – 16 votes
Will Hayes (Footscray) – 14 votes
Andrew Moore (Box Hill) – 13 votes
Nick Hind (Essendon) – 13 votes
Tom Atkins (Geelong) – 13 votes
Cameron Pederson (Casey) – 11 votes
Ben Cavarra (Williamstown) – 11 votes
Brett Bewley (Williamstown) – 11 votes

Full Votes