Putting the team first occasionally means forgoing individual recognition but one selfless Bulldog will receive accolades for just that when the Brad Johnson Best Team Player is awarded at next Saturday’s Charlie Sutton Medal event. 

An onslaught of Western Bulldogs players, young and old will be in contention for the highly regarded award led by Club mainstays Daniel Cross, Daniel Giansiracusa and Liam Picken. 

Young guns Mitch Wallis and Jordan Roughead could also come under consideration for their persistent efforts and willingness to put their body on the line for the team. 

Following on from Dale Morris who won the award last year, the recipient will have displayed an unwavering dedication to helping their teammates both on and off the field. 

The Bulldogs playing group also have the opportunity to weigh in on the result of the Best Team Player as well as the coaching panel, making the verdict on the eventual winner even more valid. 

Midfield veteran Cross was consistent and reliable in his 17 games, often shifting back into defence to help the back six as well as helping to carry an inexperienced midfield brigade before injuring the AC joint in his shoulder in round 18.

Despite being in pain, Cross continued to play on for an extended period in the match, unwilling to call an end to his season and leave his teammates one man down - ultimately illustrating his passion and commitment to the Club and his football. 

He ended the season sixth in total tackles, seventh in total one percenters, eighth in goal assists, fifth in contested possessions and twelfth in contested marks. 

Another Bulldog whose perseverance and tenacity makes him one of the top candidates for the award is Picken who sacrifices his own glory every time he walks onto the field to curb the effects of the opposition’s big names. 

His rise through the rookie ranks to eventually become one of the team’s most respected and consistent players is testament to his hard work and strength of character.

Picken laid the most tackles of any Bulldogs player (119), including equalling his career best 13 tackles on two occasions this season. 

He also ranks 10th in total one percenters, sixth in total contested possessions and sixth in clearances demonstrating he is more than willing to put in the grunt work if it will benefit the team. 

While patrolling the forward line Giansiracusa spent a lot of time mentoring the young pups and taking them under his wing as they grow in confidence and skill.

The Club’s leading goalkicker also generated a number of opportunities for his fellow forwards, ranked third in goal assists for the year.

Jordan Roughead’s work off the ball was first rate in the second half of the season with his shift into defence ultimately resulting in him leading the one percenter statistic at the Club. 

Honing his skills to negate the opposition’s influence in precarious marking contests, he has proven to be a very serviceable defender. 

Despite standing at 200cm tall he also laid 48 tackles (the second highest of the Bulldogs key position players behind Will Minson) and was second at the club for total contested marks. 

In his breakout season, Mitch Wallis was diligent and composed through the midfield, taking on the responsibility of a player beyond his years - particularly in the latter rounds when injuries depleted the Bulldogs midfield stocks. 

With more than four tackles a game the Calder Cannons recruit placed fourth in tackles at the Club as well as coming third in total contested possessions battling against much bigger bodies time and time again. 

Earmarked as a future leader of the Club, Wallis has gained the respect of his teammates in the two years that he has been at Whitten Oval.

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 emailevents@westernbulldogs.com.au or call 1300 GO DOGS for more information on the event.