Second-year Zebra Kade Answerth has taken out his first Neil
The 20-year-old finished second in last year’s count but backed up an impressive 2016 with an ultra-consistent season at Beach Rd to win the coveted prize.
Second-year rookie Nick O’Kearney finished second at Sandringham’s night of nights in a season where he averaged 26 disposals over 18 games, beating third-placed Jack Lonie by six votes.
Along with Lonie in third place, Shane Savage and Luke Dunstan had big impacts in under ten games at VFL level to highlight just how significant they were in Lindsay Gilbee’s team.
Brandon White averaged 18 disposals from 14 games and worked well in tandem with the eighth-placed finish from Bailey Rice, who averaged 16 disposals from 16 games in a strong season.
Tall Rowan Marshall finished ninth with 29 votes having kicked 22 goals from 16 games, which included an AFL debut against the Sydney Swans in round 18 after starting the season on the rookie list.
Other notables to finish outside the top ten included Paddy McCartin (23 votes) and Darren Minchington (23), who both had big impacts in the first half of the season.
Ruckman Tom Hickey and Nathan Freeman finished with 19 and 13 votes respectively in seasons interrupted by form and injury.
Sandringham best and fairest top 10:
1. Kade Answerth 72
2. Nick O’Kearney 64
3. Jack Lonie 58
4. Shane Savage 46
5. Luke Dunstan 39
6. Brandon White 34
7. Dan McKenzie 32
8. Bailey Rice 32
9. Rowan Marshall 29
10. Dylan Weickhardt 26
