Tom Liberatore has been recognised for a standout season, taking out his maiden Charles Sutton Medal ahead of second year player Jack Macrae at Crown Palladium tonight.

Just 24-hours after being selected in the All-Australian squad for the first time, Liberatore won the Club’s most prestigious award by a comprehensive 67 vote margin.

Following a breakout year in 2013, Liberatore took his game to new heights this season, ranking first in the AFL for tackles and clearances, and fourth for contested possessions.

Macrae became one of the league’s most improved players this season, ranking fourth in the competition for uncontested disposals and topping the Club for disposals and marks in just his second year.

The 20-year-old’s season was defined by his consistency, gathering 25 possessions or more in 15 of 21 games — highlighted when he became the youngest AFL player to reach over 40 disposals in a game.

After a slow start due to injury, Captain Ryan Griffen had a late-season surge to place third and former rookie Luke Dahlhaus was rewarded for his best season with a top four finish.

The final tally sees three of the top four ranked Bulldogs players just 22-years-old or younger, highlighting the breadth of talent coming through the ranks.

Veteran Bob Murphy rounded out the top five, adding to his strong showing in recent years, having placed in the top six players in the Club for the fifth consecutive year.

Leading goalkicker Stewart Crameri had a solid first season at the Club finishing in eighth spot, and Mitch Wallis followed up on his top ten standing from 2013, finishing on 99 votes, despite missing nine games.

The Chris Grant Best First Year Player was awarded to Marcus Bontempelli after the 18-year-old also placed second in the NAB AFL Rising Star Awards earlier today.

Jack Macrae’s exponential rise earned him the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player Award, while Will Minson was recognised with the John Schultz Community Award after his extensive work in the community.

Brett Goodes took the honours as the Footscray Bulldogs’ Best and Fairest, while young defender Mitch Jensen took out the VFL Coaches Award.

2014 Charles Sutton Medal Tally
 

John Van Groningen Team First Award - Tom Liberatore

Scott West Most Courageous Award - Tom Liberatore

John Schultz Community Award - Will Minson

Chris Grant Best First Year Player - Marcus Bontempelli

Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player - Jack Macrae

Brad Johnson Best Team Player - Tom Liberatore

VFL Best and Fairest - Brett Goodes

VFL Coaches Award - Mitch Jensen