Blooding eight debutants in Coach Brendan McCartney’s first season at Whitten Oval, the Western Bulldogs unveiled a number of promising, young pups in Season 2012, but only one can claim the Chris Grant Best First Year Player Award at the Sutton Medal next month.

Despite the host of eligible talent, a race in two to claim the trophy is expected with mature age recruit Tory Dickson and tenacious midfielder Clay Smith likely to figure prominently in voting.

Watch the Western Bulldogs players cast their vote on who will take out the Chris Grant First Year Player Award on the media player above.
 
A known goal kicker, Dickson burst onto the scene to kick 23 majors from 17 games in 2012 - including multiple goal hauls on six occasions - becoming the second highest scoring Bulldog this season behind only veteran Daniel Giansiracusa.
 
In his inaugural AFL season the 24 year-old became renowned for his defensive pressure and work ethic without the ball, with his mobility and tenacity at the contest proving a valuable asset in the Bulldogs forward half. 

Watch highlights from Tory Dickson's impressive four goal haul against North Melbourne in Round Seven.
 
Dickson’s key rival for Best First Year Player honours is likely to come from Smith, a tough inside midfielder who likes to get his hands dirty and win the hard ball.
 
Impressing on debut with four goals, Smith embodies the uncompromising attack on the contest that Coach McCartney loves, jostling his way through packs and playing an unselfish game.
 
While Dickson has the polish and poise of a ready-made small forward, Smith’s ferocity and unyielding attitude is sure to win him points. 

Watch AFL Media's Catherine Ellis chat to Clay Smith during the season about life, football and his debut game.
 
Although given less game time to make their case, debutants Tom Campbell, Daniel Pearce, Michael Talia, Lin Jong, Jason Johannisen and Fletcher Roberts were encouraging in their first forays into senior football, showing fans glimpses of what to expect in the future.
 
Jong’s rise through the ranks from the Williamstown’s VFL Development Squad through to playing out the season in the Bulldogs seniors has been highly publicised, but it was his relentless approach and courage that truly impressed.
 
Taking a couple of weeks to adjust to the pace of senior football after his round nine debut against Geelong, Daniel Pearce began to find his straps providing run and carry out of defence as well as a hard-nosed edge to the contest.
 
Playing five games for the season before injuring his hamstring, Pearce’s final game for the year against North Melbourne saw a number of career bests with 17 disposals, seven marks, four inside 50s and three rebound 50s.
 
Tom Campbell’s initiation into senior AFL saw him not only adopt first ruck duties but win the duel against ex-Bulldog Ben Hudson with 28 hit-outs to 23 in the round 13 clash against the Lions at Etihad Stadium.
 
Going on to play seven games assisting Will Minson in the ruck and rotating through the forward line, the big-bodied rookie elevation looks to be a legitimate ruck option for coming seasons. 
 
Adding to the Bulldogs’ tall timber at the other end of the ground, Talia and Fletcher have impressed in defence in their late season opportunities.
 
The grandson of Bulldogs Premiership player Harvey Stevens, Talia ranks third in average one percenters per game this season and after another solid pre-season will only better his ability to compete with the powerhouse forwards in the league next season.
 
Roberts has shown a knack for being able to read the play and position himself accordingly which will put him in good stead when he increases his physical presence.
 
The 19 year old was initially recruited as a forward, with his versatility at both ends of the ground an significant upside.
 
Lightening quick and composed under pressure, Jason Johannisen is another to keep an eye on next season.
 
The second year rookie elevation was given his chance in the round 19 win against North Melbourne and looked to make the transition from VFL to AFL level quite comfortably with his accurate disposal, speed and poise.

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