All-Australian defender Rory Laird takes out first Malcolm Blight Medal in a canter

ALL Australian play-making defender Rory Laird has capped a fine season by taking out his first Malcolm Blight Medal as the Crows’ club champion at a gala event at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

Laird, 24, who averaged 32 disposals in a prolific season, polled votes in all of the 20 games he played — he missed Round 12 and 13 to a fractured hand — and finished with 222 votes, well clear of second placed midfielder Matt Crouch (166) and key forward Josh Jenkins (162).

He began the season at a cracking pace: Laird had 274 disposals after eight matches, the most any player had collected after eight rounds of any AFL season.

But it wasn’t just about how often he had the ball in his hands — it was what he did with it.

Laird used the ball at 77.6 per cent efficiency, prompting former back pocket Brownlow Medallist Gavin Wanganeen to heap praise on his efforts.

“Some players win junk possessions but Laird is creative and makes things happen for his team,” Wanganeen said mid-year.

Laird was typically humble — just as he collected his second blazer for the week.

“I think this year’s been really consistent for me,” he said.

Those behind him had seasons from the top drawer as well.

Crouch, last year’s winner, clawed to second despite missing four matches while Josh Jenkins had a breakout season with 46 goals, a long way ahead of Eddie Betts (29) and captain Taylor Walker (26).

Bryce Gibbs, who crossed from Carlton this season, was fourth with 149 votes while sharply improving utility Hugh Greenwood rounded out the top five.

Defender Tom Doedee, who on Thursday finished second to Collingwood’s Jaidyn Stephenson in the AFL’s Rising Star Award, was sixth with 139 votes, just one behind Greenwood, in one of the best first seasons in the club’s history after spending his first two year’s on the club’s list biding his time in the SANFL.

Wayne Milera was another highlight in finishing eighth and really establishing himself in the senior side with his elusiveness and daring pace from the backline.

The club’s rotten run with injuries was also reflected in the club champion count.

Players such as vice-captain Rory Sloane, All Australian defender Daniel Talia, crowd favourite Eddie Betts and ruckman Sam Jacobs all finished outside of the top 10 while Walker failed to make the top 20.

High-flying forward Mitch McGovern, who has asked to be traded out of the club despite having two years to run on his contract, was injured for big chunks of the year and finished 22nd, one spot behind his captain.

2018 MALCOLM BLIGHT MEDAL
1. Rory Laird 222

2. Matt Crouch 166

3. Josh Jenkins 162

4. Bryce Gibbs 149

5. Hugh Greenwood 140

OTHER AWARD WINNERS
Phil Walsh Best Team Man Award — Richard Douglas

Players Trademark Award — Tom Doedee

Mark Bickley Emerging Talend Award — Tom Doedee

Members MVP Award — Rory Laird

Leading goalkicker — Josh Jenkins

Dr Brian Sando OAM Trophy — Tom Doedee

Dean Bailey Award — Corey Davey

State League Champion — Patrick Wilson

Crows foundation Community Award — Hugh Greenwood