The Western Bulldogs will crown the 2023 Charles Sutton Medallist this Wednesday evening. Take a look at the hottest contenders for the Club’s most coveted crown.
You can stream the 2023 Charles Sutton Medal live via www.westernbulldogs.com.au from 7.30pm AEDT on Wednesday, October 4.
Marcus Bontempelli
It’s been quite the year for our inspirational captain, already collecting his fair share of awards throughout this year’s finals series. Bontempelli claimed the AFLPA’s prestigious Leigh Matthews Trophy, whilst also winning best captain and an All Australian jacket. The 27-year-old finished runner-up to Lachie Neale in the 2023 Brownlow Medal, underlining his mantle as one of the game’s best. Bont averaged 28 touches and eight clearances per game, kicking 19 goals. Can Bont capture a fifth Charles Sutton crown, we’ll find out Wednesday?
Tom Liberatore
The ever-reliable Tom Liberatore put together a career-best season during 2023, partnering in the midfield with Bontempelli regularly. Libba averaged 27 touches, eight clearances and seven tackles a game to stamp himself as one of the competition’s best inside midfielders. Liberatore last won a Charles Sutton Medal in 2014, nine years later he continues to be a vital cog to the machine of the Western Bulldogs.
>>> VIEW ALL PAST CHARLES SUTTON WINNERS HERE
Liam Jones
Liam Jones returned to VU Whitten Oval this season after seven years in the Navy Blue, and it didn’t take long for the 32-year-old to have an impact. Quickly, Jones became a leader of the defence, with his strong work ethic and lofty training standards endearing him to the playing group. Despite missing two months with a broken arm, Jones was one of the Dog’s best and will give the Charles Sutton count a shake.
Adam Treloar
Adam Treloar enjoyed his most consistent season in red, white and blue this season, averaging 29 touches and five tackles per game. Playing a more midfield dominant role, Treloar found the football regularly, while kicking 13 goals. Treloar hasn’t managed a best and fairest throughout his 231-game career, could it be this season?
Others in the mix
Bulldogs utility Caleb Daniel played any role required for the team during his campaign, mixing between midfield and forward across 23 games. Ed Richards showed his lofty potential in a half-back role despite a hamstring injury mid-year. Ruckman Tim English played his best footy in 2023 and was rewarded with an All-Australian blazer for the first time.
