Reliable defender Luke Brown has received the Mark Bickley Award, recognising the achievements of a first or second-year player both on and off the field.

After playing three games in his debut (2012) season, Brown emerged as a vital member of Adelaide’s inexperienced backline in 2013.

The 20-year-old stepped into the big shoes of retired veteran Michael Doughty, showing maturity and composure well beyond his experience. Brown played 21 of a possible 22 games, routinely standing the opposition’s most dangerous small forward.

The Norwood premiership player also developed the attacking side of his game as the season wore on, improving his possession average from 11.5 in his first 10 games to 17 in the last 10 rounds. He collected a career-best 24 possessions and six marks against Melbourne in Round 22, and in Round 23 became the fourth Crow to receive a Rising Star nomination this season.

Previous winners of the Mark Bickley Award include Sam Kerridge (2012), Daniel Talia (2011), David Mackay (2008), Jason Porplyzia (2007) and Nathan van Berlo (2006).