The former Sydney big man took a while to make an impact, but during the second half of the season he had re-established himself as one of the premier ruckmen in the competition, highlighted by his All Australian nomination, and two dominant performances in both grand finals. Darren Jolly’s ability to give midfielders like Swan, Pendlebury and Ball first use was a huge part of the team’s midfield dominance, and he also proved a valuable attacking asset by booting more goals (24) than any other ruckman in the competition, including a career-high four majors against West Coast in round 14.
Highlights
Round 13 v Sydney: One of the Pies’ best and probably his best game of the season to date with 17 touches, 24 hitouts and two goals, ironically in the important win over his old side.
Round 14 v West Coast: Jolly earned three Brownlow votes with a dominant 20-possession, 13-mark (including four contested), 16-hitout, four-goal performance.
Grand Final & Grand Final Replay v St Kilda: A total of 67 hitouts across the two games, many of them to advantage, plus a goal in each game, highlighted his complete dominance over the Saints.
2010 AFL statistics
| G | K | H | D | M | G | B | T | HO |
| 26 | 6.6/68.6% | 6.0/71.6% | 12.6/70.0%% | 5.0 | 0.9 | 0.4 | 2.2 | 22.3 |
