Ahead of the Western Bulldogs' Best and Fairest awards night on Wednesday, westernbulldogs.com.au previews the key contenders for the 2017 Charles Sutton Medal.
Who’s your tip for the medal?
Marcus Bontempelli
The reigning Charles Sutton Medallist, Marcus Bontempelli is expected to lead the charge as the Bulldogs' fast starter on Wednesday night.
Bontempelli should poll well for his performances against Sydney in Round 2 (30 possessions, 7 tackles and 2 goals), Greater Western Sydney in Round 6 (22 disposals and three goals) and Richmond in Round 7 (27 possessions, 9 tackles and a goal).
An evolving role saw Bontempelli spend more time closer to goal in 2017, where he kicked 20 majors for the season.
The 21-year-old is also likely to poll maximum votes against Carlton (30 disposals, 2 goals) and Brisbane (23 disposals, 2 goals).
Jack Macrae
Midfielder Jack Macrae could come home with a wet-sail at Wednesday night’s Charles Sutton Medal.
In Round 22 he collected 41 disposals, took six marks and laid seven tackles in the loss to Port Adelaide, while in Round 23, Macrae recorded 33 disposals, three marks and seven tackles in the nine-point loss to Hawthorn at Etihad Stadium.
A prolific ball winner, Macrae led the disposal count for the Bulldogs, averaging 27.5 per game.
Jason Johannisen
2016 Norm Smith medallist Jason Johannisen is expected to place well in this year’s Charles Sutton Medal count.
The West Australian jumped out of the gates with his start against Collingwood in Round One (30 disposals and two goals).
He was also impressive in Round 19 against the Bombers, kicking four goals in a performance which saw him recapture some of his earlier season form.
Lachie Hunter
Lachie Hunter averaged 22 possessions per game in another consistent season for the 22-year-old.
Hunter is expected to poll well early after playing an exceptional game in Round 1, collecting 21 disposals, 6 marks and three goals. He also booted three goals against Fremantle in Round 3.
Hunter slotted 18 majors for the season – a career high – including two each in Round 15, Round 22 and Round 23.
