Crows members have voted Rory Laird as their most valuable player for Season 2015.
Laird won the hotly-contested award with 23 per cent of the overall vote. Forward Eddie Betts came in second, 31 votes behind Laird, while Patrick Dangerfield was a further six votes behind in third.
Laird, 21, enjoyed a career-best year, playing every game and earning selection in the All-Australian squad of 40. The small defender averaged a personal-best 24.3 disposals. Of all defenders, only Greater Western Sydney veteran Heath Shaw amassed more possessions (517) than Laird (510) in the home and away season.
The former rookie displayed great versatility, playing both attacking and shut down roles in defence and also pushing into the midfield at times. At only 178cm, 77kg, Laird showed courage to support his fellow defenders, ranked seventh in the AFL for intercept possessions in the minor round.
He was No.1 at Adelaide in effective kicks (190) and handball receives (225) and second in rebound 50ms (70) in the home and away season. As well as providing good run, Laird conceded an average of only 0.7 goals per game to his direct opponents.
Adelaide's members have voted on their best and fairest Crow since 1998. Tyson Edwards has won the award on three occasions, while Rory Sloane, Mark Ricciuto and Andrew McLeod have all claimed the honour twice. Originally coined the Members' MVP, the award was re-named in 2009 to recognise Adelaide's passionate supporters – The 19th Man.
Winners of the 19th Man Award
1998 – Nigel Smart
1999 – Ben Hart
2000 – Mark Ricciuto
2001 – Andrew McLeod
2002 – Tyson Edwards
2003 – Mark Ricciuto
2004 – Tyson Edwards
2005 – Simon Goodwin
2006 – Tyson Edwards
2007 – Andrew McLeod
2008 – Nathan Bock
2009 – Bernie Vince
2010 – Graham Johncock
2011 – Scott Thompson
2012 – Patrick Dangerfield
2013 – Rory Sloane
2014 – Rory Sloane
2015 – Rory Laird
