DION Prestia has capped off a career-best season with his maiden Jack Dyer Medal as Richmond's best and fairest player, as the celebrations from the 2019 flag rounded out on Tuesday night at Crown Palladium.
Prestia polled 91 votes, winning comfortably from clever half-forward Shane Edwards (79), who was acting captain for parts of this year, and integral defender Dylan Grimes (75).
Fellow backman Nick Vlastuin (70) and star forward recruit Tom Lynch (69) rounded out the top five.
The newly crowned two-time Norm Smith medallist Dustin Martin finished sixth, while All Australian Bachar Houli was in eighth place.
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Players are awarded anywhere between zero and five votes for their performances by Richmond's match committee, including the finals series.
Prestia played all 25 games this season, the first time he has played every possible match since 2014 when he was at Gold Coast, relishing his first injury-free pre-season since that year.
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The 26-year-old averaged a career-high 27.4 disposals as well as 5.9 clearances this year and was a mainstay of Richmond's engine room as injuries hit fellow runners Trent Cotchin, Kane Lambert, Jack Graham and Jack Ross.
An emotional Prestia, who crossed from Gold Coast to Richmond at the end of 2016, appeared overcome by the best and fairest win in a premiership year.
"I thought 2016 was a bit of an off year for Richmond, and met with 'Dimma' (coach Damien Hardwick) in September. I went to his house and he wasn't really talking about footy, he was wanted to know me and get to know my family. I think that's what got me over the line in the end. A personal, strong relationship with the coach was something I was looking for," Prestia said.
"Premierships is what you play the game for. It was pretty cool getting over the line on the weekend, to go with the medal from 2017.
"To be a two-time premiership player at a footy club like Richmond is unbelievable. I'm pretty stoked to be up here, that's for sure. Hopefully I don't tear up here in the next few minutes."
In a short, entertaining speech, Prestia thanked his sisters, parents (including his mum's home cooked food and making a public plea for his dad to switch his allegiance from Melbourne to Richmond), girlfriend ("don't go overseas again and leave me by myself with UberEats") and dog, Leo.
Edwards' Jack Titus Medal for his second-place finish is a career-best result for the 30-year-old, while Grimes has also never made the podium before.
Lynch also earned the Michael Roach leading goalkicker award – breaking Jack Riewoldt's run of nine straight wins – having topped the Tiger tally with 63 goals.
Tom Lynch celebrates a goal during the Grand Final. Picture: AFL Photos
Injured duo Alex Rance and Jack Graham were the dual recipients of the Francis Bourke award for club values, voted on by players, while livewire Sydney Stack was named best first year.
The entire playing group was presented in numerical order one-by-one to Palladium packed with over 140 tables, meaning new cult hero and number 50 Marlion Pickett – who made his debut in the flag win – emerged with the premiership cup.
Jack Ross and Kamdyn McIntosh, who were pulled out of the VFL Grand Final just in case they were needed for the AFL Grand Final, missing out on both flags, were acknowledged by president Peggy O'Neal and coach Damien Hardwick.
The coach also made mention of Jack Higgins, who missed the second half of the year with a serious brain bleed which required two operations.
"For him to make the time and effort to come down and 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 I look forward to seeing you in round one next year."
Former Western Bulldog Monique Conti (VFLW best and fairest), Daniel Coffield (VFL best and fairest) and Chris Henderson (VWFL best and fairest) were also recognised for their stellar seasons.
Jack Dyer Medal top 10
1. Dion Prestia – 91 votes
2. Shane Edwards – 79
3. Dylan Grimes – 75
4. Nick Vlastuin – 70
5. Tom Lynch – 69
6. Dustin Martin – 67
7. Kane Lambert – 63
8. Bachar Houli – 59
9. David Astbury – 55
=10. Jason Castagna – 47
=10. Daniel Rioli – 47
