Dependable defender Matt Dea has won Richmond’s VFL Best and Fairest award for 2015.
Dea took out the second Guinane Medal with 49 votes, ahead of tough, inside midfielder Matt Thomas, 37 votes, and the team’s captain Jaryd Cachia, who finished equal third alongside James Wall on 31 votes.
It was a standout season at VFL level from Dea, who averaged 20 disposals and six marks in his 15 games.
He was ranked second overall in the competition for contested marks inside defensive 50.
Dea, who turns 25 next week (October 13), was considered unlucky not to receive an opportunity at senior level throughout the season.
To his considerable credit, however, he cast aside his frustration to produce such fine football for the Tigers’ VFL side.
The Guinane Medal is named in honor of one of Richmond’s most prominent father-son combinations, Dan and Paddy Guinane, who both had celebrated playing careers with the Tigers, before serving the Club with distinction in key off-field areas.
The 2015 Guinane Medal top 20
1st Matt Dea 49 votes
2nd Matt Thomas 37
Eq. 3rd James Wall 31
Eq. 3rd Jaryd Cachia 31
5th Matt McDonough 28
6th Liam McBean 27
Eq. 7th Shaun Hampson 26
Eq. 7th Matt Arnot 26
Eq. 7th Nick Wynne 26
Eq. 7th David Astbury 25
11th Jason Castagna 22
Eq. 12th Reece McKenzie 21
Eq. 12th Ed Barlow 21
Eq. 14th Tyson Kruse 20
Eq. 14th Ryan Gale 20
16th Todd Elton 18
17th Sam Lloyd 17
Eq. 18th Ben Lennon 16
Eq. 18th Anthony Scott 16
20th Connor Menadue 13