Daniel Talia has won his first Malcolm Blight Medal in a thrilling count at the Crows Club Champion presentation at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Friday night.
Talia shared the lead with Patrick Dangerfield (72 votes) heading into the final round.
Talia polled seven votes for his role on St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt in Round 23 to claim the yellow jacket by two votes (79) ahead of Rory Sloane (77), who also received seven votes against the Saints to leapfrog Dangerfield (76) into second place.
Only nine votes separated the top five, which also included Brodie Smith (72) and Sam Jacobs (70).
Two-time winner Scott Thompson, who led the count prior to injuring his hamstring, was a close sixth on 68 votes. Matthew Jaensch (63), Eddie Betts (60), Josh Jenkins (50) and Richard Douglas (49) rounded out the top 10.
Talia, 22, becomes the second-youngest winner of the Malcolm Blight Medal behind Club legend Andrew McLeod, who achieved the feat in 1997 aged 21.
The 2012 Rising Star was a rock in Adelaide’s inexperienced backline this season, enhancing his reputation as one of the premier defenders in the competition.
Still in only his fourth AFL season, he kept star forwards, including Nick Riewoldt (Round 23), Jack Riewoldt (Round 21) and Jarryd Roughead (Round 17), goalless in head-to-head match-ups. Talia conceded an average of only 1.4 goals per game and didn’t allow any goals to his direct opponent in seven matches.
The dedicated defender ranked eighth in the AFL for spoils (135) and also improved the attacking side of his game. He averaged career-high disposals (11.8), rebound 50ms, intercept marks and inside 50ms. His brilliant season was rewarded with selection in the 2014 All-Australian squad.
Recruited with pick No.13 in the 2009 AFL National Draft, Talia has played 76 career games, including the last 44 without miss in a reflection of his professionalism and meticulous preparation.
The lead changed 10 times throughout the even Club Champion count, which saw only one eight (maximum votes) awarded to Dangerfield against Greater Western Sydney in Round Five. Defender Matthew Jaensch was a surprise early leader after six rounds.
Talia polled votes in 21 of a possible 23 games. He only missed out against Fremantle in Round 12 and in Round 19 when it was concussed in the opening quarter against West Coast. Dangerfield, Sloane, Smith and Jacobs also collected votes in all bar two matches.
It’s the third year in a row that 2013 Club Champion Sloane and 2012 runner-up Dangerfield have finished top three in the Malcolm Blight Medal, while Smith recorded his best-ever finish.
For the second straight year, young midfielder Brad Crouch came home with a flurry, polling 31 votes in his last nine games. Only Sloane (33) received more votes in the same period.
Sloane was voted the members’ most-valuable player, taking home the 19th Man Award.
Comeback forward Taylor Walker received Adelaide’s Best Team Man Award, while livewire Charlie Cameron was recognised with the Mark Bickley Award for Emerging Talent.
All-Australian nominee Eddie Betts capped off a remarkable first season with the Club, receiving the Chelsea Phillis Coaches Award and Leading Goalkicker. Hard-working skipper Nathan van Berlo was awarded the Dr Brian Sando OAM Trophy.
Captain Ian Callinan was judged to be Adelaide’s best and fairest player in the SANFL, while development player Michael O’Malley won the inaugural Dean Bailey Award.
Final Leader Board (top 10)
Daniel Talia – 79
Rory Sloane – 77
Patrick Dangerfield – 76
Brodie Smith – 72
Sam Jacobs – 70
Scott Thompson – 68
Matthew Jaensch – 63
Eddie Betts – 60
Josh Jenkins – 50
Richard Douglas – 49
