St Kilda star Seb Ross followed up his breakout season last year with an even better campaign this year to establish himself amongst the elite midfielders in the game.

The 24-year-old was named in the All-Australian squad for the first time last month and is one of the main contenders for next month’s Trevor Barker Award.

In a remarkable run of consistency, Ross amassed 30 or more disposals in nine consecutive weeks, in a year where he reached the mark on 14 occasions.

By the end of the home and away season, only eight players in the competition averaged more disposals than his weekly return of 29.9.

Ross also averaged 9.8 contested possessions, 5.1 clearances, 4.3 tackles, 4.0 inside 50s, blending his grunt inside with damaging ball use on the spread.

In a season where he was also included in the leadership group for the first time, the Ballarat product will take some beating on best and fairest night..

Performance of the year:

Round 7 v Greater Western Sydney: 31 disposals, 17 contested possessions, nine score involvements, nine clearances, four inside 50s

Alan Richardson's views:

“In many ways, it was a real breakout season for Seb, but he also been building for a few years now,” Richardson said.

“His form this season was no surprise given how hard he works on his game, both physically and mentally.

“Seb’s improvement is a by-product of combining talent with elite preparation.

“We’re really excited by Seb’s year but probably more excited by where we think Seb will get to as a player.

“He has a very good balance between supporting and challenging his teammates, and an ability to make those around him better.

“With so many experienced leaders leaving the club this year, we’re going to need more players like Seb to continue to develop their leadership.

“I’ve got no doubt Seb will play a key part in the direction of our footy club.”

The numbers:

Games: 22
Disposals: 29.9
Contested possessions: 9.8
Clearances: 5.1
Tackles: 4.3
Inside 50s: 4.0