Competition for the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Award will be hotly contested this year with a number of individuals vying for the honours.
Tom Liberatore rise as an elite midfielder of the competition has been swift in 2013, leading the competition in clearance in only his third year.
Liberatore’s improvement over the past year has seen him win 71 more clearances year on year, lay 61 more tackles and collect 184 more disposals (+119 contested).
Will Minson is another who has built on a strong base in 2012 to excel in his role this season.
Topping the competition in hitouts, the 28-year-old also currently holds the record for second most hitouts in a season (812) behind Gary Dempsey (878 in 1982 for North Melbourne).
Last season Minson also held the mantle for most hitouts in the league (667), however this year he has improved yet again – accumulating 145 more hitouts than his previous best
From 21 games this season the Bulldogs have won the ruck battle on 15 occasions, despite Minson carrying the majority of ruck duties on his own.
Making a late charge for the Tony Liberatore Most Improved Award is Jarrad Grant, who is now equal second in the league for average goal assists per game (1.4).
Grant’s influence up forward has been crucial in the Bulldogs recent form, with 12 goals from seven games.
Jason Johannisen consolidated his spot off the half back flank before suffering a season ending shoulder injury in round 15 against GWS Giants.
Missing just three games since he made his debut in round 19 of 2012, the pacey defender has been impressive.
While his stats match up on his first three games last year, it’s his impact at senior level throughout the year that sees him in the mix for most improved.
In 2012 Johannisen played nine games at Williamstown – and one game in the Seagulls’s development league – but this season he was not relegated to the VFL once.
Another young pup cruelled by injury after showing good signs is Clay Smith, whose intensity and aggression around the contest was sorely missed after he ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in round 16.
The season held a number of personal best statistics, including tackles (11), disposals (26), inside 50s (seven), as well as finding almost three extra contested possession and one more effective disposal per game.
A shift into the forward line was also encouraging, with the 20-year-old able to exploit his attack on the ball and play a more offensive role.
