St Kilda wingman Jack Newnes continued to demonstrate in 2017 why he is so highly regarded inside the four walls of Linen House Centre for his leadership and consistency.

The 24-year-old played every game for the fourth season in a row – he has the 6th longest consecutive games streak of any current player at 88 games – in a year where he reached the 100-game mark midway through the season.

It was in that milestone game where Newnes’ fearless attack on the ball ended his day with concussion, but epitomised his brand of football.

The ultra-durable midfielder returned the following week and put in his most influential effort of the year against the reigning premiers, amassing a career-high 35 disposals in Round 10.

While he didn’t quite reach the lofty standards of his career best season in 2016, Newnes continued to play a pivotal role in St Kilda’s engine room and in their leadership group that has undergone widespread changes in the last 12 months.

Performance of the year:

Round 10 v Western Bulldogs at Etihad Stadium: 35 disposals, 10 contested possessions, seven tackles, five inside 50s and 594 metres gained.

Alan Richardson's views:

“We mark Jack pretty hard because of the high expectations we have for a player of his ability,” Richardson said.

“We thought Jack had a solid year despite those lofty expectations.

“His leadership certainly took a step forward, particularly off field with his ability to challenge and influence others in team meetings.

“We believe Jack has the potential to be one of the better wingman in the game.

“This season, his influence on games wasn’t where he and the club would like it to be, but it wasn’t through a lack of commitment to his footy.

“No one trains harder than Jack – it was just one of those years that I think will sting him into greater performances next year.”

The numbers:

22 games
23.0 disposals
431.7 metres gained
3.4 inside 50s
3.4 rebound 50s