Rory Laird earned a second consecutive All-Australian nod in 2018 on the back of another scintillating year of form, which also delivered a top 10 Brownlow Medal finish and a 2018 Club Champion victory.
An ultra-consistent start to the season saw Laird go from strength-to-strength with huge disposal tallies throughout the year, including 40+ disposal games against Essendon, Richmond, Geelong and North Melbourne.
WATCH: Laird reflects on a rewarding week
The 24-year-old was a clear Club Champion with 222 votes and was also named Members’ MVP.
He demonstrated his ability to lead in the absence of injured Brodie Smith, while teaming up with the likes of Wayne Milera Junior and Tom Doedee in an evolving backline.
A few highlights from another #AllAustralian season for @rorylaird #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/ix5aaVawjQ
— Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 29, 2018
At a glance:
Games: 20
Goals: 3
Disposals per game: 32.2
Marks per game: 6.2
Tackles per game: 2.2
Rebound 50s per game: 5
Best game:
Round Two v Richmond
Notching an impressive 42 disposals, Laird became the first player to record consecutive 40-disposal games to start an AFL season.
While he topped his disposal tally by one in Round 17, his 29 kicks, 32 uncontested possessions and seven inside 50s against the Tigers were career-highs.
He also had nine marks and eight rebound 50s in a complete performance which saw him blanket Richmond’s half-forward line.
Other season highlights:
Round 17 v Geelong
Laird collected a career-best 43 disposals and six rebound 50s in Adelaide’s 15-point victory over the Cats at Adelaide Oval.
Round 22 v North Melbourne
The ball magnet was also impressive in Adelaide’s thrilling nine-point win over the Roos, recording 41 disposals and nine marks.
He provided the Crows with plenty of drive into attack with five rebound 50s and four inside 50s.