Champion Data unveils 2018 awards

Champion Data have released their awards for the 2018 home and away season within the 2019 AFL Prospectus.

Collingwood big man Brodie Grundy took out the 'Adam Saad Trophy' - named after the current record holder for points in a single game following Saad's score of 331 at the 2011 NAB AFL Under 16 Championships - which was given to the highest points scorer for the season.  The All-Australian ruckman tallied 2,870 Champion Data points across 22 games played.

The title for most ranking points from a first-year player went to Geelong's Tim Kelly, who averaged 23 disposals and kicked 24 goals in his debut year. Kelly rated elite for disposals, clearances and contested possessions and found plenty of minutes in a star-studded midfield.

Although he only managed 15 games for the year, Fremantle captain Nathan Fyfe again showed why he's one of the best midfielders in the league, taking out the 'Silver Spoon' award for most gathers from hit-outs. Max Gawn took out the 'Spoon Feeder' award for his hit-outs to advantage, along with the 'Rising Stocks' award for improvement on ranking points in comparison to his previous season.

All-Australian defender and premiership hero Jeremy McGovern recorded the most contested marks and intercept marks overall, , whilst small forward Charlie Cameron won the 'Sure foot' award for his elite kick rating (as recorded by Champion Data) during his first year as a Lion.

Kangaroos spearhead Ben Brown will be known as 'Teacher's Pet' for the next 12 months after he had the best free kick differential of any player. In turn, Tigers' Toby Nankervis was handed 'Naughty Corner' after recording the worst free kick differential across season 2018.

Sydney's Allir Allir proved he has taken the next step in becoming an elite AFL defender, after he collected 'Forward's Nightmare' for loss percentage during defensive contests.

Speedsters Jayden Short and Adam Saad took out awards for most meters gained and running bounces respectively, fans can expect to see these two continue to light up matches with their dashing style of play.

Devon Smith had a successful move from Greater Western Sydney, who not only took out the award for 'Pressure King' but broke the record for pressure points per game across a single season. To the delight of many Essendon fans, Smith ranked number one for tackles in his first year at the Bombers.

Richmond's Josh Caddy proved how reliable he can be in front of goals, taking out the award for goal accuracy through his career high 2.2 goals per game. Damien Hardwick didn't need to shuffle his backline too much, with All-Australian captain Alex Rance awarded for spending the most percentage of time on ground.

CHAMPION DATA AWARDS 2018 Home and Away Season - Source: AFL Prospectus