St Kilda swingman Cam Shenton was awarded the Sandringham Best and Fairest in emphatic style last night.
Taking out the Neil Bencraft Best & Fairest Award, Shenton capped off a brilliant 2016 to become the first Saint since Tom Curren in 2012 to win the Zebras’ highest honour.
In a landslide victory, the 26-year-old roared home in the final 11 games to finish on 110 votes, ahead of teammates Kade Answerth (83 votes), Eli Templeton and Jack Sinclair (63).
Starting the year down back, Shenton’s ability to go forward quickly became a valuable asset for Sandringham, moving inside 50 permanently to boot 41 goals from 18 games.
Kicking 28 goals in his final 10 games, the Saints swingman finished seven majors shy of former St Kilda small forward Ahmed Saad’s 48 goals as the VFL’s leading goalkicker.
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Shenton’s back half to 2016 proved the catalyst for victory, collecting 72 votes in the final seven games to jump clear of Sandringham-listed youngster Kade Answerth and Templeton, who spent most of the count going vote for vote.
Answerth surged late, but Shenton’s four-goal haul in the elimination final was enough to hold the former Oakleigh Chargers product at bay and claim honours.
Eli Templeton put the exclamation mark on a productive 2016 with an equal third finish with 63 votes. Averaging 26.4 disposals, five inside 50s and four tackles, Templeton’s finish in the best and fairest rounded out a year that also saw a fifth place finish in the JJ Liston Trophy.
Jack Sinclair polled prolifically from just 12 games to join Templeton on 63 votes, catching the eye of voters averaging 23 disposals, eight tackles and six inside 50s for the Zebras.
Consistent Sandringham midfielder Myke Cook (60), Tom Lee (53), former Saint Tom Simpkin (44), Jack Lonie (42), Josh Saunders (39) and Brodie Murdoch (30) rounded out the top ten.
Sandringham Best and Fairest Top 10
1. Cam Shenton (110)
2. Kade Answerth (83)
3. Eli Templeton (63)
Jack Sinclair (63)
5. Myke Cook (60)
6. Tom Lee (53)
7. Tom Simpkin (44)
8. Jack Lonie (42)
9. Josh Saunders (39)
10. Brodie Murdoch (30)
