Jack Macrae
Jack Macrae took his game to new heights in 2019.
The 25-year-old enjoyed a prolific season in the midfield, playing every game and averaging 33.3 disposals per game on his way to a maiden All Australian guernsey.
He had 30 or more disposals in 17 matches, including the last 12 of the season, and polled 22 Brownlow votes to finish equal eighth alongside teammate Marcus Bontempelli.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 23
Goals: 5
Disposals (av): 33.3
Marks (av): 4.4
Tackles (av): 5.2
Best game
Macrae polled three Brownlow votes on three occasions – in wins against Hawthorn, GWS Giants and Adelaide – plus votes in nine more matches.
Good luck narrowing it down to one.
But perhaps it was his round 20 clash with Brisbane – a loss – where he excelled most, collecting 45 disposals to go with 12 clearances and seven tackles in a valiant individual effort.
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Lachie Hunter
Reigning Charles Sutton Medallist Lachie Hunter picked up from where he left off last year.
The star wingman played every game and averaged 26.6 disposals to again be an extremely influential figure in the Bulldogs’ midfield group, finding the ball at will and using it effectively.
Hunter signed a five-year deal in March, keeping him at VU Whitten Oval until at least the end of 2024.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 23
Goals: 5
Disposals (av): 26.6
Marks (av): 6.5
Tackles (av): 2.3
Best game
Hunter was exceptional in the Bulldogs’ narrow win against Melbourne in round 17.
He collected a season-high 37 disposals at 81.1 per cent efficiency, generating almost 500 metres gained and four inside-50s.
A clutch left-foot, checkside set-shot from the pocket in the final term helped seal victory.
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Tom Liberatore
Knee troubles again interrupted Tom Liberatore’s season, but not before he had made his mark after missing all of 2018 recovering from an ACL injury.
Liberatore jumped out of the blocks with a spectacular first month, averaging almost 28 disposals per game.
He played 15 AFL games for the year and signed a two-year extension to see him through until the end of 2021.
By the numbers
AFL Games: 15
Goals: 6
Disposals (av): 20.9
Marks (av): 2.7
Tackles (av): 3.9
Best game
A huge performance in round two helped the Bulldogs run down Hawthorn in a final-quarter comeback.
Liberatore finished the game with 28 disposals, six clearances and seven tackles – plus a pivotal last quarter goal – in a combative four-quarter performance.
