The vast improvement from the younger Bulldogs brigade in 2014 is likely to throw Wednesday night’s race for the Charles Sutton Medal wide open.

While names such as Liam Picken, Ryan Griffen and Robert Murphy have all had strong seasons, youngsters Mitch Wallis, Tom Liberatore and Jack Macrae have also produced consistent form.

By statistics alone Macrae’s numbers are impressive (26.8 disposals on average) along with Liberatore’s competency in close (seven clearances per game) — both proof of the strength of their respective seasons.

But the influence of Matthew Boyd and Ryan Griffen cannot always be expressed by numbers alone –  both stepping up in big moments on a consistent basis throughout 2014.

Murphy finished 2014 ranked fifth in the AFL for rebound 50’s and new recruit Stewart Crameri topped the Club’s goalkicking award comfortably, along with Dale Morris who ranked 15th in the AFL for one percenters — all of which are likely to attract votes.

Reflecting on last year’s vote count, six of the top ten players had 150 games or more of experience —  this year and with the growth of the young Bulldogs, that demographic looks likely to change.

2013 Charles Sutton Medal Top 10

1st          RYAN     GRIFFEN              273 votes

2nd        TOM      LIBERATORE       242 votes

3rd         WILL      MINSON              184 votes

4th         ROBERT  MURPHY              176 votes

5th         DALE      MORRIS               166 votes

6th         LUKE      DAHLHAUS         151 votes

7th         ADAM   COONEY               144 votes

8th         DANIEL GIANSIRACUSA       134 votes

9th         JORDAN ROUGHEAD      88 votes

10th       MITCH  WALLIS             82  votes