WERRIBEE champion Dom Brew just keeps getting better with age, and he proved it again by claiming a dominant win in the rebel VFL Coaches Most Valuable Player award at Monday night’s VFL and VFLW Awards. Brew, who led Geelong gun Mitch Hardie by 14 votes when the count went behind closed doors after Round 16, sealed his victory by polling eight, nine and four in the next three games against the Northern Bullants, Port Melbourne and Southport to take a 23-vote advantage with just two rounds to play.
Even though he failed to poll in the Round 21 win over Box Hill Hawks and did not record a single perfect 10, he finished with 103, taking votes in 15 of his 18 matches including four nines and four eights. Brew has averaged 28.5 disposals (17.4 contested), 3.4 marks, 9.9 clearances, 9.4 tackles and 5.6 inside-50s – with all those being career bests except the tackles, which is unbelievably the lowest number of his career despite still being ranked No.1 in the competition by a long way.
Hardie finished with 15 votes in his last two games to finish on 91 and regain the second spot he lost to Jacob Dawson in Round 19, with the Southport ace polling 26 in the last four games to finish on 86 and record his third consecutive podium after a win in 2022 and runner-up last year. The Cat picked up 28.8 disposals (10.5 contested), 5.1 marks, 5.8 clearances, 4.9 tackles and 4.3 inside-50s in his own career-best year, while Dawson continued to own the footy with 31.2 disposals (15.8 contested), 9.5 clearances and 4.4 tackles.
Hardie polled in 14 games and Dawson 15, while retiring Brisbane Lion Jarryd Lyons was fourth on 85 – eight votes more than when he won the Liston Medal last year. The other half of the Sharks’ dynamic duo, Boyd Woodcock, rounded out the top five on 67 votes, just ahead of Frankston comeback kid Tom Murphy, Gold Coast ball magnet Rory Atkins, Lion midfielder Deven Robertson, Williamstown interceptor Luke Parks and breakout Footscray midfielder Cooper Craig-Peters.
Brew, who finished 10th in this award with 62 votes in last year’s Grand Final run for Werribee, told the crowd at the Crown Palladium ….
Brew's Dominance Across the Field
Brew's consistent brilliance wasn't just a product of his veteran experience, but also of his remarkable ability to dominate across multiple facets of the game. His average of 28.5 disposals, 9.9 clearances, and 9.4 tackles per game, all career bests, speak volumes about his impact on the field. While his tackling numbers were lower than previous years, he remained the competition's undisputed leader in this area.
A Tight Race For the Award
Brew's dominance was challenged by a strong contingent of VFL players who also put in exceptional performances. Mitch Hardie, who finished second in the count, narrowly missed out on the top spot. His impressive average of 28.8 disposals and 5.8 clearances reflected his significant contribution to the Geelong Cats. Jacob Dawson, another standout performer, finished in third place with a remarkable 31.2 disposals and 9.5 clearances per game. These three players, along with Boyd Woodcock and Jarryd Lyons, formed a strong top five, highlighting the depth of talent in the VFL.
A Season of Exceptional VFL Performances
The 2024 VFL season has undoubtedly been a memorable one, with several players showcasing their abilities and pushing for recognition. Brew's victory is a testament to his sustained excellence and his unwavering commitment to the Werribee Football Club. The performances of the runners-up, Hardie and Dawson, are equally noteworthy and will undoubtedly set the stage for exciting battles in the coming years. With such a high level of talent and dedication throughout the league, the VFL continues to be a breeding ground for future AFL stars, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills and make their mark on the sport.
