ST KILDA midfielder, and first time All-Australian nominee, Jack Steven has capped off a breakout season, winning his first Trevor Barker Award tonight as the club’s best and fairest player.
The 23-year-old from Lorne took his game to another level in 2013, averaging 26.9 disposals per game and featuring in the league’s top 10 in clearances, handballs and disposals.
Steven collected more than 30 possessions in seven games this season, including a career-best 47 disposals against Fremantle in Round 23.
The 2011 Rising Star nominee has played 73 games since arriving at the club in 2007.
He claimed the prestigious award after polling 152 votes, ahead of Nick Riewoldt with 115 and Leigh Montagna with 113.
Fellow All-Australian nominee Nick Riewoldt ensured a top-two finish after ranking first in the AFL for marks, taking 202 for the season at an average of 9.6 per game.
The 30-year-old re-affirmed his position as one of the game’s all-time great centre-half forwards kicking 50 goals this year, giving him another top 10 finish in the Coleman Medal.
Third place getter, Leigh Montagna, showed his class and durability for an 11th season finishing with the club’s highest disposals and kicks for the season.
The 29-year-old had 30 or more disposals in seven out of the last eight games of the season, and like Jack Steven, played all 22 games of the year.
Up-and-coming leaders Jarryn Geary and David Armitage placed fourth and fifth respectively, both capping off consistent seasons.
Rounding out the top ten were Nick Dal Santo, Sean Dempster, Clint Jones, Farren Ray and Dylan Roberton.
2013 debutants Tom Curren and Jimmy Webster were also recognised on the night. Curren received the Robert Harvey Most Professional Player award for exemplifying Harvey’s trademark work ethic and professionalism, while Webster was awarded the Most Promising Player Award for his encouraging performance this year.
Total 2013 votes for all players:
| 1. Jack Steven | 152 | 13. Jack Newnes | 27 | 25. Nathan Wright | 12 |
| 2. Nick Riewoldt | 115 | 14. Sam Fisher | 26 | 25. Tom Hickey | 12 |
| 3. Leigh Montagna | 113 | 15. Stephen Milne | 26 | 27. Josh Saunders | 10 |
| 4. Jarryn Geary | 76 | 16. Sam Gilbert | 25 | 28. Beau Maister | 8 |
| 5. David Armitage | 73 | 17. Adam Schneider | 21 | 28. Seb Ross | 8 |
| 6. Nick Dal Santo | 70 | 18. Trent Dennis-Lane | 18 | 30. Ahmed Saad | 7 |
| 7. Sean Dempster | 57 | 18. Jason Blake | 18 | 30. Sam Dunell | 7 |
| 8. Clint Jones | 56 | 20. Tom Curren | 17 | 32. Jimmy Webster | 6 |
| 9. Farren Ray | 51 | 21. Rhys Stanley | 16 | 33. Arryn Siposs | 4 |
| 10. Dylan Roberton | 46 | 21. Terry Milera | 16 | 34. Brodie Murdoch | 3 |
| 11. Ben McEvoy | 45 | 23. James Gwilt | 15 | 35. Tom Ledger | 2 |
| 12. Lenny Hayes | 42 | 23. Tommy Lee | 15 |
Best and Fairest voting criteria:
At the completion of each game, the match committee consisting of the Head Coach Scott Watters and assistant coaches Dean Laidley, Adam Kingsley and Danny Sexton each gave 22 votes per game for the best and fairest player afield.
