2011 Best & Fairest Award Winners

Most Promising Player - Ben McEvoy
proudly sponsored by the St Kilda Football Club Former Players Association



22 year old, Ben McEvoy, had a stellar season for the Saints, playing in all but one game, amassing 497 hit-outs (22.6 per game), 199 handballs (9 per game) and 118 marks (5.4 per game).

McEvoy came of age in season 2011 shouldering the majority of the Saints’ ruck duties in the absence of fellow talls Michael Gardiner and Justin Koschitzke. The 200cm ruckman impressed with his strong marking and presence around the ground.

Ben, a ruckman who wears guernsey number 5, was recruited from Murray Bushrangers as the number 9 pick in the 2007 AFL Draft and made his Saints debut against Freemantle in 2008.

Robert Harvey Most Professional Player - Sean Dempster
Following 21 outstanding seasons with the St Kilda Football Club, the Robert Harvey Award symbolises Robert’s Trademark; a legendary work ethic and professionalism. This perpetual Award is presented to a player that epitomises those attributes.



The award is judged by the Club’s coaching and conditioning staff based on each player’s approach to;
- injuries and treatment
- primary training: skills, weights and fitness
- second training: nutrition, recovery and rehab
- off site: social, mental and general lifestyle
- and finally, attitude to both training, games plus in and around the Club

Playing his junior football with Snowy Rovers FC in Orbost, Sean went onto play with Gippsland Power in the TAC Cup. In 2005, the now 27-year-old was recruited by the Sydney Swans before being traded to St Kilda FC at the end of the 2007 AFL season.

This versatile defender was an ever-present for the Saints during 2011, playing all 23 games for the Club. Sean finished the season averaging 14 disposals, 6.1 handballs, 3.2 tackles and 4 marks per game.

Halo Coterie, Robert Harvey Best Player Award - Nick Dal Santo
selected by the Club Halo Coterie Group



2011 was another fantastic season for Nick, who topped the player rankings for St Kilda FC. The 27 year old finished runner-up in the 2011 Brownlow Medal and was rewarded for this outstanding performances this year with selection in the All Australian Team.

Nick amassed 615 disposals (26.7) and 338 kicks (14.7) across the Saints’ season including the club’s elimination final against the Swans. During the season, the outstanding midfielder surpassed the 200 game milestone and at the St Kilda FC B&F received an award in recognition of this achievement.

Playing for this local AFL side, Bendigo Pioneers, Nick was drafted with selection number 13 by St Kilda FC in the 2001 AFL Draft and made his debut in 2002 against Geelong.

Halo Coterie, Nathan Burke Most Determined Player Award - Clinton Jones
selected by the Club Halo Coterie Group



27 year old, Jones, played in every game for the Saints this season and was top of the charts in the tackle department with 142 at an average of 6.2. He also finished the year with an average of 19.3 disposals per game, with only Nick Dal Santo bettering him in the handball department.

Clint was recruited from South Fremantle in the WAFL with the 9th selection in the 2006 AFL Rookie Draft. At South Fremantle he had won consecutive Best and Fairest awards and was a part of South's 2005 premiership winning team.

Before the start of the 2010 season he changed his number from 38 to 4, which had previously been worn by Club legends Barry Breen and Tony Lockett.

Trevor Barker Award, St Kilda FC’s 2011 Best & Fairest - Sam Fisher
The 29-year-old Fisher was an ever-present for the Saints during 2011, amassing 486 disposals (21.1 per match) and taking 153 marks, second behind Club Captain Nick Riewoldt who finished with 154.



Starting his playing career at West Adelaide in the South Australian National Football League, Fisher debuted for St Kilda in 2004 after being selected at pick number 55 during the 2003 AFL Draft.

During Fisher’s eight completed seasons at St Kilda only three players have won a St Kilda Best and Fairest and finished in the top three at least three times, Nick Riewoldt, Lenny Hayes and Sam Fisher. This illustrates the quality of performance that Sam Fisher has delivered year after year for the St Kilda Football Club.

Congratulations to the following players who were presented awards for making their Saints’ debut in 2011;
- Ryan Gamble Rd 1
- Daniel Archer Rd 2
- Alistair Smith Rd 3
- Jamie Cripps Rd 6
- Will Johnson Rd 6
- Arryn Siposs Rd 7
- Dean Polo Rd 8
- Nick Winmar Rd 9
- Tom Ledger Rd 11
- Tom Simpkin Rd 11

St Kilda FC would like to congratulate the following players who were presented awards for reaching key milestones in 2011:
- Sean Dempster 50 games
- Zac Dawson 50 games
- Ben McEvoy 50 games
- Jarryn Geary 50 games
- David Armitage 50 games
- Sam Gilbert 100 games
- Leigh Montagna 150 games
- Sam Fisher 150 games
- Nick Riewoldt 200 games
- Nick Dal Santo 200 games

John Moran Loyalty Award - Barbara Datson
John Moran Loyalty Award is dedicated to the memory of former Number 1 ticket holder John Moran.

John demonstrated loyalty, dedication and commitment to the St Kilda Football Club for many years and the Award is presented to the Club person who personifies the character that John Moran did for so many years.

This year’s winner, Barbara Datson, has been involved with The Angels since 1995 and President of The Angels since 2006. The Angels do great work in providing Memberships for underprivileged families and fundraise for the Club.

Barbara has undergone several hip operations and knee replacements but she just keeps giving her time to St Kilda Football Club.