The Western Bulldogs will crown the 2022 Charles Sutton Medallist this Wednesday evening, so we’re taking a look at some of the season’s top performers who are in the running to claim the coveted award.
You can stream the 2022 Charles Sutton Medal live via westernbulldogs.com.au from 7.40pm AEST on Wednesday 28 September.
MARCUS BONTEMPELLI
Could the reigning Club Champion claim his fifth Charles Sutton medal on Wednesday night? It was an impressive campaign from the 26-year-old skipper, who averaged career-best disposals (23.5), tackles (5.2) and clearances (5.2) in 2022. He should at least find himself on the podium come Wednesday – and if so, will be the eighth consecutive time he’s done so. Bontempelli received best and fairest honours in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2021, while finishing runner-up in 2020 and third in 2015 and 2018.
TOM LIBERATORE
Tom Liberatore enjoyed a fantastic run of form in 2022, averaging 24.7 possessions and 7.2 clearances from 22 games. A hamstring complaint ruled him out of the elimination final, in what was otherwise another season with minimal injury setbacks. Having finished third with 291 votes in 2021, the hard-nosed clearance specialist is expected to poll highly on Wednesday night. If successful, it will be his second best and fairest triumph, finishing first in 2014 after back-to-back Gary Dempsey medals the past two years.
JOSH DUNKLEY
After polling the most Brownlow votes (14) for the Club last weekend, Josh Dunkley could add a maiden Charles Sutton Medal to his accolades this week. The 25-year-old averaged 25.4 touches, 6.2 marks, 6.1 tackles and 4.4 clearances – all career-highs - from 23 outings. The closest he’s previously come to the top honour was back in 2019; enjoying a breakout campaign to finish 29 votes behind overall winner Marcus Bontempelli.
JACK MACRAE
The three-time All Australian could bob up for his inaugural Charles Sutton medal, following a career-best 2022 campaign which saw him average 30.7 disposals and 6.4 clearances (ranked elite for both categories). He has finished on the podium four times in the last five years, and based on his 2022 output could be the ultimate smokey. He also polled the second-most Brownlow votes (11). It’d be a close finish if so, with his midfield counterparts expected to steal some thunder throughout the count.
OTHERS IN THE MIX
Adam Treloar and Bailey Dale put in impressive 2022 campaigns, while Ed Richards finished strongly across half-back. Tim English enjoyed a solid start to the season, before missing a number of games through injury, with Bailey Smith in a similar boat – polling 10 Brownlow votes despite being sidelined for nearly six weeks through a mix of injury and suspension. 2020 Club Champion Caleb Daniel arguably didn’t have the same level of impact from his 19 games this year, but leading goalkicker Aaron Naughton could be a chance to improve on last year’s eighth-place finish.
