WESTERN Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli has claimed his second successive Charles Sutton Medal, pipping defender Jason Johannisen by a single vote in a thrilling count on Wednesday night.
In claiming the award, 21-year-old Bontempelli became the youngest dual best and fairest in the club's history, taking the honour from seven-time winner Scott West.
Bontempelli averaged 23 disposals and four marks per game in 2017 and kicked 20 goals across 22 matches.
He also led the club in contested possessions (11.8 per match), clearances (90), contested marks (21), tackles (138) and finished second in metres gained (8,474).
Finishing with 185 votes, Bontempelli needed to chase down Johannisen, who surprisingly led the count for most of the season despite his well-documented struggles with taggers.
Jack Macrae, who was one of the Dogs' most consistent players this season, finished well back in third with 155 votes after averaging a team-high 27 disposals a game this season.
Following each AFL match, coach Luke Beveridge and four assistants each give a vote from zero to five for each player. Players can receive a minimum of zero or maximum of 25 votes for any game.
Jake Stringer, who is expected to depart the club in the trade period, did not attend the function.
Other award winners included Lewis Young, who was named the best first year player after the key defender averaged 12.9 disposals and 5.4 marks in seven impressive games.
Third-year playmaker Bailey Dale picked up the most improved award after the Edithvale-Aspendale product averaged 17 disposals and kicked 17 goals across 16 games.
Midfielder Caleb Daniel was named best team player, while versatile defender Zaine Cordy claimed the most courageous award.
Charles Sutton Medal top 10
1. Marcus Bontempelli 185
2. Jason Johannisen 184
3. Jack Macrae 155
4. Easton Wood 138
5. Caleb Daniel 134
6. Lachie Hunter 125
7. Matt Suckling 119
8. Zaine Cordy 119
9. Shane Biggs 95
10. Liam Picken 85
