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HAWTHORN midfielder Mitch Hallahan joined Geelong’s Jordan Schroder and North Ballarat’s Steve Clifton as joint winners of the J.J Liston Trophy for the best and fairest in the VFL at Etihad Stadium last night.
At the end of 19 rounds, nothing could separate Clifton, Hallahan and Schroder, all locked on 17 votes in an epic count.
With only four players in contention going into the final round, Schroder leapt from fourth to a three-way tie when he polled the maximum votes in Geelong’s 201-point win against Bendigo Gold, joining Clifton and Hallahan for the win.
For Clifton it was a stunning return to the VFL after spending the previous two seasons on GWS’ list.
It was a memorable season for Clifton who notched his 100th game for the Roosters, represented the VFL in a State match and was a shining light as North Ballarat just missed the finals for a second year in a row.
Clifton became the first dual Liston Trophy winner in North Ballarat Football Club history.
And, Clifton joined Alan Poore (1965-66), Laurie Hill (1969-71), Swan (1982-83), David Robbins (2000-’03) and Shane Valenti (’10-11) – who he shared the 2010 title with – as dual Liston Trophy winners.
Schroder joined former Geelong premiership captain James Byrne as the club’s only Liston victors.
Interestingly, Geelong had 24 players gain votes, but Schroder was the only player to poll double digit votes.
Hallahan became just the fourth Liston Trophy winner in Box Hill Hawks.
Top 10
| M. Hallahan | Box Hill Hawks |
17 |
| J. Schroder | Geelong Cats |
17 |
| S. Clifton | North Ballarat |
17 |
| K. Lambert | Northern Blues |
16 |
| S. Iles | Box Hill Hawks |
12 |
| A. Krakouer | Collingwood |
12 |
| J. Hogan | Casey Scorpions |
11 |
| J. Magner | Casey Scorpions |
11 |
| M. Sewell | North Ballarat |
11 |
| J. Scipione | Port Melbourne |
11 |
| J. Moore | Werribee Tigers |
11 |
| W. Wheeler | Williamstown |
11 |
Other winners announced on the night were:
A. Todd Medallist (AFL Victoria Development League best & fairest): Aiden Linsday (Casey Scorpions)
‘Frosty’ Miller Medallist (VFL leading goal kicker): Dean Galea (Port Melbourne) 55 goals
Alec Gillon Award: Joe Falzon (Northern Blues)
Best Conducted Club: Essendon FC
Fothergill-Round Medallist (best under 23 player): Kane Lambert (Northern Blues)
Toyota VFL Coaches Player of the Year (Award featuring weekly coaches votes on opposition): Alik Magin (Bendigo Gold)
Photo appears with permission by Paul Amy