Two Blues have been shortlisted in the inaugural AFL Fan Awards to be named the best player in their respective positions for the 2017 season.
Among the 10 award categories, Carlton’s Sam Docherty has been nominated to take out the fan-voted Best Defender award, while big man Matthew Kreuzer is up for Best Ruck.
Docherty is competing against five fellow backmen, including Greater Western Sydney’s Phil Davis, Essendon’s Michael Hurley, Richmond’s Alex Rance, Adelaide’s Rory Laird and Melbourne’s Michael Hibberd, while the ruckmen standing in Kreuzer’s way include the Giants' Shane Mumford, Port Adelaide’s Paddy Ryder, Adelaide’s Sam Jacobs, Hawthorn’s Ben McEvoy and Collingwood’s Brodie Grundy.
Ranked first in the league for marks and equal fourth for rebound-50s, Docherty has enjoyed another consistent year within the Carlton backline, marshalling the navy blue troops in defence in each of his side’s matches.
Meanwhile Kreuzer, with an average of 31.4 hitouts and 9.7 contested possessions per game, has dominated in the aerial battles while also managing to charge his way through the contests to win the ball for the Blues in a career-best season at Carlton.
Docherty and Kreuzer now need your help to see them crowned the 2017 AFL.com.au Fan Awards’ Best Defender and Best Ruck.
Click here to cast your votes for the two Blues, and have your say to decide the season’s best moment, best standout performance, best match and more.
The winners of each of the 10 award categories will be revealed on Thursday 31 August, ahead of the 2017 finals series.
