A RETURN to his consistent and damaging form of 2013 has seen St Kilda's Jack Steven win his second club best and fairest.
Steven, 25, claimed the Trevor Barker Award on Monday night at Crown Palladium from midfielder David Armitage and super consistent veteran defender Sean Dempster.
After signing a five-year contract extension that locked him up until the end of 2020 in March, Steven recaptured the form that won him his first best and fairest two years ago.
He replicated his 2013 disposal count of 591 over 22 games and was ranked first in the AFL for inside 50s and second for total tackles.
Steven said he felt his increased maturity this year meant he could absorb teams pitting players directly against him, with his new ability making his form this season better than it was when he claimed his first award.
"People knew who I was this year so I've had a lot more attention and I've been better," Steven told AFL.com.au.
"I might have caught teams off guard back in 2013, and I think this year I've dealt with more attention from teams and still been able to perform.
"I think that's what made this year a little bit better."
However, Steven – who tipped Armitage to top the table – was surprised and humbled to be judged the best Saint by his coaches.
"I thought Armo had a really good year so I got really nervous towards the end [of the count]," he said.
"I'm so happy, I can't believe it. It's a great club and to be a two-time Trevor Barker award winner is a pretty big thing so I'm pretty happy about that."
Steven was especially damaging at Etihad Stadium, where he racked up his 100th AFL game in round 10 this year in the Saints' loss to Hawthorn.
After being one of just three Saints to play every game in 2015, he raced home to pinch the award from Armitage, who had a breakout season.
Challenged by coach Alan Richardson in the pre-season to shed weight, improve his running capacity and take on more of a leadership role after the departure of Lenny Hayes, Armitage stepped up to be one of the Saints' key players this year.
He led the count at the round 20 mark before a shoulder issue kept him out of the round 21 draw with Geelong.
Steven earned 11 votes for his performance against the Cats, and from there didn't relinquish the lead.
Armitage, 27, polled 159 votes to Stevens' 175, after his impressive season that featured a 45-disposal effort against the Western Bulldogs in round six that saw him awarded the maximum 20 votes.
For the fourth time in the past five seasons, Dempster finished in third place, while Leigh Montagna finished fourth for the second straight season.
Defender Jarryn Geary rounded out the top five and also won the best clubman award.
Votes are confidentially cast by the five coaches (senior and assistants) after every match, in a system where not all players need to be given a vote; a strong result could see 15-16 players receive votes, and a poor one only three to four.
Jack Lonie, who signed a contract extension until the end of 2017 this week, won the best emerging player award while Mav Weller claimed the 'Lenny Hayes Player Trademark Award'.
Veteran defender Sam Fisher, who will play on in 2016 after inking a one-year deal last week, finished in the top 10 for the first time since 2012 after a consistent season.
Veteran defender Sam Gilbert, who turned his back on free agency earlier this month to commit to the Saints for the next two seasons, was given life membership.
Trevor Barker Award top 10
1. Jack Steven 175
2. David Armitage 159
3. Sean Dempster 149
4. Leigh Montagna 143
5. Jarryn Geary 132
6. Dylan Roberton 108
7. Nick Riewoldt 105
8. Josh Bruce 92
=9. Sam Fisher 77
=9. Jimmy Webster 77
