RICHMOND forward Jacob Townsend's incredible late-season rise to prominence continued on Monday night, when he claimed the VFL's J.J. Liston Trophy as the best and fairest player.
Townsend, 24, had to bide his time until the penultimate round of the AFL season to break into the Tigers' senior side despite outstanding form at VFL level.
But the former Giant hasn't looked back, kicking 13 goals in three AFL matches, including two in Friday night's stunning 51-point qualifying final thrashing of Geelong at the MCG.
He averaged 21 disposals (11 contested), six tackles, five clearances and four inside 50s in his 15 VFL matches, adding 14 goals and 18 goal assists in what he dubbed his "best season of footy".
Townsend credited his breakout campaign, and becoming Richmond's maiden J.J. Liston Trophy winner since fielding a standalone team, to having the first injury-free pre-season of his six-year AFL career.
"About three or four weeks ago, I wasn't expecting to be playing AFL footy and be kicking goals and playing in a pretty good side that's playing in a prelim," he said.
"It's always fun to be, not getting the media attention, but to be spoken about, so it's been good.
"I was just focused on playing good, consistent footy all year and if a chance came to be playing ones, then if I was playing well enough, I'd be picked."
Townsend polled maximum votes on three occasions, two votes in four games and one vote in another as he finished on 18, two votes ahead of last year's winner, Williamstown's Michael Gibbons.
Gibbons' teammate and ex-Tiger Adam Marcon and Werribee midfielder Matt Hanson were equal third on 14 votes, while Richmond's Anthony Miles (13) rounded out the top five.
The VFL team of the year gathers at the Liston Trophy presentation. Picture: AFL Photos
The VFL's Fothergill-Round Medal for the most promising footballer went to Casey forward Bayley Fritsch, an AFL draft prospect who is set to attend this year's Victorian State Combine. The last 11 Fothergill-Round medallists played in the AFL.
Former AFL footballers Gary Ayres, Andy Collins, Peter German and Steve Clifton were among those to earn VFL life membership on the night.
Earlier, Darebin Falcons star Katie Brennan, the Western Bulldogs' AFLW captain, stormed home to win the VFL Women's best and fairest on 21 votes, from St Kilda’s Brianna Davey (17) and Melbourne Uni’s Emma Kearney (16) and Ellie Blackburn (13).
Brennan, also 24, booted 20 goals in the last three home and away rounds to share the league goalkicking title with 18-year-old sensation Chloe Molloy, of Diamond Creek.
Katie Brennan with her new medal. Picture: AFL Photos
Molloy also picked up the VFL Women's Rising Star award.
"It was a massive shock," Brennan said of her best and fairest triumph.
"I was feeling really sick today and I've been in bed all day, so I was ready to go (home) and didn't really think I'd be in with a chance, but I'm very humbled and very proud to be standing here."
Katie Brennan in action for Darebin. Picture: AFL Photos
