Adelaide defender Tom Doedee has finished runner-up in the 2018 NAB AFL Rising Star Award.
The 21-year-old finished 10 votes behind Collingwood’s Jaidyn Stephenson, who was an overwhelming favourite going into the count held at Peninsula Docklands in Melbourne.
When the first set of votes were counted, Doedee (16) trailed Stephenson (17) by a solitary vote.
However, Stephenson stormed home to finish
Stephenson received maximum votes from all but three of the 11 judges, with Gillon McLachlan and Warren Tredrea both ranking Doedee their top pick, while Glen Jakovich rated Witherden his top contender.
Richmond’s Jack Higgins finished fourth, with Swan Oliver Florent and Cat Jack Henry equal-fifth.
Doedee, whose season was ended a week early with a fractured collarbone, said he would be ready to go for the first day of Adelaide’s pre-season training in November.
"The surgery went to plan, so all good (from that point of view),” he said.
“I can't really run with the sling on but I should be able to get back to doing some fitness stuff soon enough."
On Thursday, Doedee was recognised as one of the premier young talents in the AFL with selection in the AFL Players’ 22under22 side for 2018.
