Richmond midfielder Dion Prestia has capped his best individual AFL season by winning the club’s best and fairest award.
Prestia won the Jack Dyer Medal three days after playing in his second premiership side with the Tigers.
He played 25 games this year, the most in his nine seasons at Gold Coast and then Richmond for a career total of 155.
Prestia was named in the 40-man All-Australian squad and polled 91 votes for the club award, 12 ahead of fellow onballer Shane Edwards.
All-Australian defender Dylan Grimes was third with 75 and emphasising Richmond’s depth, Norm Smith Medallist Dustin Martin only managed sixth on 67.
Indeed, it is the first time since 2009 that Richmond’s best and fairest top five has not featured Martin, Alex Rance, Jack Riewoldt or Trent Cotchin.
Injured pair Alex Rance and Jack Graham won the Francis Bourke Award, which is voted on by the players for the teammates who best uphold their values.
Rance was sidelined since round one because of a knee reconstruction, but played a major role behind the scenes as the Tigers won their second flag in two years.
Graham missed out on the grand final after playing through the preliminary final the week before with a dislocated shoulder.
Earlier at Tuesday night’s function, coach Damien Hardwick paid tribute to Graham, as well as Kamdyn McIntosh and Jack Ross.
McIntosh and Ross joined Graham as grand final hard luck stories when they missed out on selection.
“The impact he (Graham) had in the preliminary final, the absolute courage that man showed to go back on the ground with one arm. I haven’t seen anything quite like it,” Hardwick said.
“We certainly wouldn’t be without this thing (the premiership cup) without you.
Hardwick said McIntosh and Ross made no fuss when they were withdrawn from Richmond’s VFL premiership side two weekends ago.
“They didn’t bat an eyelid and said, ‘whatever we need coach’,” he said.
“And then unfortunately not to represent our great club in a grand final, with no complaint, and so happy for the other 22 players. I applaud you.”
Hardwick also praised Jack Higgins, who needed more brain surgery last month because of a bleed.
Higgins attended grand final week training.
“For him to make the time and effort to come down to see our playing group on Thursday, merely a week after his operation, was simply inspirational,” Hardwick said.
“I can’t wait to get you back mate, and look forward to seeing you round one next year.”
Higgins is not expected to resume playing until well into next year.