St Kilda defender Jimmy Webster thrived this winter amid a new-look back six, producing the best season of his five-year career at Linen House Centre.
The Tasmanian played 18 games – the most in one season of his career – and only missed games through a hand injury and suspension.
Just like fellow backman Dylan Roberton, Webster started the season strongly, weaving together a career-best patch between Round 4 and 7 where he averaged 25 disposals and collected a personal best haul of 29 disposals against Greater Western Sydney.
After a strong first half of 2017, an undisciplined clash with Fremantle midfielder Nick
But in a sign of things to come, Webster helped fill the void left behind by Leigh Montagna late in the season after the dual All-Australian strained his hamstring.
After gradually building his game in the last couple of years, Webster has laid the foundations to elevate his football to the next level in 2018.
Performance of the year:
Round 7 v Greater Western Sydney at Etihad Stadium: 29 disposals, eight contested possessions, six marks, five rebound 50s and four spoils.
Alan Richardson’s views:
“Jimmy has become a really reliable contributor in our team and someone who his teammates love playing alongside because he is such a fierce competitor,” Richardson said.
“What’s been really pleasing about Jimmy’s evolution as a player is his ability to play on all types of opponents.
“He has a great mix of speed and endurance which allows him to play on a variety of forwards.
“Jimmy is also continuing to grow as a rebound player and given that he is such a penetrating kick, it’s going to be an important weapon for us going forward, particularly in the absence of Leigh Montagna.
“When ‘Joey’ was out of the team late in the year, Jimmy demonstrated that he can take on that responsibility and we’re confident he can go to another level.”
The numbers:
18 games
18.8 disposals
3.6 rebound 50s
3.6 marks
2.7 spoils
