Brett Deledio the toast of Tigerland Sam Edmund From: Herald Sun September 17, 2009
EXCITING Richmond midfielder Brett Deledio stormed home to win his second consecutive Jack Dyer Medal in a history-making count last night.
Deledio, still only 22, became the youngest Tiger to win back-to-back best-and-fairest awards since club legend Kevin Bartlett saluted in 1967-68 and the youngest in the AFL since Michael Voss at the Brisbane Lions in 1995-96.
The former No. 1 draft pick polled 190 votes to edge out stopper Daniel Jackson (175) and skipper Chris Newman (162) in a thrilling finish at the Crown Palladium.
Richard Tambling's best season saw him rewarded with 152 votes and fourth place, while Ben Cousins (145) rounded out the top five, despite missing seven games through injury.
In an absorbing count, vice-captain Nathan Foley had the lead after 11 rounds, but quickly faded to finish sixth after missing the last eight weeks of the season with a severe calf problem.
Jackson then took over at the top, but couldn't hang on as Deledio's brilliant second half of the year saw him take the lead after the second-last game of the year against Hawthorn.
Deledio played all 22 matches this season, averaging 24.2 disposals and five marks a game, while leading the Tigers in total disposals (533) and inside-50s (99).
He had 20 or more possessions 19 times, highlighted by a career-high 36 touches against the Hawks in Round 21.
Deledio also kicked 20 goals - the fourth most at the club.
It was the first time Jackson and Tambling had achieved top-10 finishes in the best-and-fairest.
Energetic goalsneak Robin Nahas was voted best first-year player, Luke McGuane won the Francis Bourke award as most courageous player and Jackson was also judged most improved player.
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