Competition for the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Player Award is heating up, with a number of key players vying for the honours at the Charlie Sutton Medal event next Saturday night.
Mitch Wallis, Luke Dahlhaus, Will Minson, Dylan Addison and Jordan Roughead played a total of 62 VFL games between them last season (averaging more than 12 games each), yet this season, they are in the fold to be named the most improved player at the Club after excelling in their development and combining for a total of 92 senior games, up from 39 games in season 2011.
Watch on the media player above to see who the Bulldogs players believe will be named the Most Improved Player for Season 2012.
Wallis’ improvement is perhaps most noticeable on the stats sheet with the midfielder accumulating ten more disposals per game and almost four more clearances.
As a comparison, the 2010 father son recruit was amongst the best in six of his 15 VFL appearances last year - this season he has gone on to be named in the best players on six occasions from his 19 senior AFL games.
His influence and willingness to step up, particularly in the second half of the season highlights his determination and grit to keep getting better.
Another emerging midfielder gunning for the award is Luke Dahlhaus, who was the fifth highest scoring Bulldog at last night’s Brownlow Medal awards, despite only 28 career games under his belt.
Elevated off the rookie list last season, the 20 year old has adjusted to the extra attention with no fuss to finish the season ranked fourth in goals (13) at the Club.
Dahlhaus is also the third highest rating Bulldog in the inside 50s statistic (71) this season - a marked improvement on his twelfth place last season with 33 inside 50s.
The energy and enthusiasm he brings to the field on game day, along with his defensive pressure and tackling, makes him a valuable member of the Bulldog forward line.
Late bloomer Will Minson took ownership over first ruck duties and not only performed admirably but excelled in the role.
By seasons end he had more hitouts than any other ruckman in the league (667), while his hitouts to advantage (161) placed him fourth amongst his peers.
Year on year he averaged an impressive 13 hitouts per game more than last season as well as seeing an increase in disposals (+1.6), tackles (+0.8) and clearances (+1.1).
While Dylan Addison quietly goes about his own business to help out the team, his rise this season was notable.
Addison is currently ranked equal fourth in total marks at the Club (34th in 2011) and sixth in average marks (25th last season).
His team first mentality also can be illustrated by the number of one percenters he racks up each week (three per game on average) which sees him placed equal sixth in that stat - a sizeable improvement on last year’s ranking of 21st.
The fifth candidate in line to take out the Most Improved Award is Jordan Roughead who staked his claim in the business end of the season after stepping up to fill a gap in the Bulldogs tall defensive stocks.
With limited exposure to the role previously, Roughead looked highly capable as a member of the back six, working in tandem with Brian Lake as well as a number of the Bulldogs emerging defenders.
He finished the season boasting the most one percenters of any player at the Club (84), amassing a highly impressive 48 in the final six rounds.
Secure your seat now for the 2012 Charles Sutton Medal and be at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday 6th October to see who will be crowned the Western Bulldogs best and fairest player. Book now online, or email events@westernbulldogs.com.au or call 1300 GO DOGS for more information on the event.
