Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli wins his second consecutive Charles Sutton Medal

MARCUS Bontempelli last night became the Western Bulldogs’ youngest dual Charles Sutton Medallist as he secured back-to-back best-and-fairests. But where did Jake Stringer finish?

Western Bulldogs champ Marcus Bontempelli Pic: Michael Klein

MARCUS Bontempelli last night became the Western Bulldogs’ youngest dual Charles Sutton Medallist as he secured back-to-back best-and-fairests.

Bontempelli, 21, edged Norm Smith Medallist Jason Johannisen by one vote in a thrilling count at Crown Palladium to overtake seven-time recipient Scott West as the youngest two-time winner.

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Premiership stars Jake Stringer, Luke Dahlhaus and Tom Liberatore did not make the top 10.

Trade target Stringer, 23, who missed out last season, also missed the top 10, with his best finish of seventh coming in his 2015 All-Australian season.

Bontempelli is quickly becoming one of the Bulldogs’ most decorated players.

Bontempelli was a star again in 2017. Pic: Michael Klein

The premiership midfielder has polled 39 Brownlow Medal votes in the past two seasons and is a chance to replace retired great Bob Murphy as captain next season.

Johannisen, 24, surged to second despite suffering a quiet five-week patch as he was tagged and physically targeted.

But the speedster hit the scoreboard in six games and signed a five-year contract extension in a major boost for the club.

Johannisen led the count after Round 19, but missed the next two games with a hamstring strain sustained in the Gabba rooms moments before the Dogs played Brisbane Lions.

He was then chased down by Bontempelli.

Western Bulldog Jason Johannisen grabbed second in the best and fairest. Pic: Michael Klein

Bailey Dale was named the most improved after booting 16 goals in the final 10 games, the most at the Dogs.

Stringer has won the past three goalkicking awards and with his likely exit to Essendon, Dale shapes as an important cog for 2018.

Underrated midfielder Jack Macrae placed third with premiership captain Easton Wood and midfielder Caleb Daniel rounding out the top five.

Daniel was dropped after Round 3 but responded to enjoy an impressive third season. The top 10 was filled with premiership players.

Jack Macrae was super consistent for the Bulldogs. Pic: Michael Klein

TOP 10 — CHARLES SUTTON MEDAL

1. Marcus Bontempelli 185 votes

2. Jason Johannisen 184

3. Jack Macrae 155

4. Easton Wood 138

5. Caleb Daniel 134

6. Lachie Hunter 125

7. Matt Suckling 119

8. Zaine Cordy 119

9. Shane Biggs 95

10. Liam Picken 85

Originally published as Western Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli wins his second consecutive Charles Sutton Medal