Dean TERLICH – 20 matches, 1574 pts @ 79
Taking the honours above Matt JONES and Jack VINEY, TERLICH started out in many teams and - with lots of supposed premium backmen struggling – he managed to still be in 20% of SC teams at the end of the regular season. A rugged, hardnosed ball winner, TERLICH showed great promise and leadership in a backline that was under enormous pressure most weeks. With a top score of 119 pts and another 5 games over 90, it’s not hard to see why he rose $286,500 for the season.
Most Improved Player :
Lynden DUNN - 18 matches, 1483 pts @ 82
Real difficult category here, with most Demons struggling in a pretty dismal season. DUNN was a real surprise packet though, lifting his average from 2012 (64 pts) up almost 20 pts a game to 82 for season 2013. Used all over the field this season to plug holes, he managed four centuries including a top score of 129 against Adelaide in round 22. A pretty solid effort from a guy who gives 100% each week.
Matt JONES - 22 matches, 1521 pts @ 69
It’s a bit sad when your team’s Best Buy is a rookie, but things are grim at the Demons and JONES was a shining light in 2013. Playing all 22 matches and with three games above 90 pts, he managed to rise $198,900 for the year and most importantly provide bench cover all year long. Just edging out fellow young gun Jack VINEY due to playing 9 more games, JONES is definitely one to watch.
Worst Buy :
Mitchell CLARK - 4 matches, 231 pts @ 58
A big guy with big wraps, CLARK failed to live up to the hype in 2013, playing only the first four matches of 2013 before succumbing to leg injuries AGAIN and missing the rest of the season. With a top score of only 78 and two other scores in the 40s, CLARK was a major disappointment to say the least. His average of 93 pts from 22 games back in 2009 now seems like nothing more than a distant memory.
2014 Prospects :
Mitch CLISBY
An impressive late season defender option, CLISBY burst onto the scene in round 13 and played through until round 20 before getting injured, averaging a very nice 68 pts per game. Another young running backman who could represent some value in 2014.
Bernie VINCE
A big coup for the Demons in the trade week, VAN BERLO has crossed from the Crows to the young, Roos-led Melbourne team and will be looking to make an instant impact. Averaging 78 in 2013, VINCE is a ball magnet when up and going, and the Demons could be a perfect fit.
Dom TYSON
Another draft surprise, the former No 3 draft pick TYSON could be a real find for a team really struggling for midfield depth. Playing only three games in 2013 due to a knee injury, TYSON was more than happy to return to Melbourne, and is certainly one to keep an eye on in the NAB Cup next year.
Most Prolific:
1. Nathan JONES – 1981 @ 90
2. Colin GARLAND (D) - 1696 @ 81
3. Colin SYLVIA (F/M) - 1636 @ 86
4. Dean TERLICH - 1574 @ 79
5. Jeremy HOWE - 1523 @ 72
6. Max GAWN - 873 @ 67 (Top Ruckman)