Jacob Townsend takes out J.J. Liston Trophy as VFL’s best and fairest player

RICHMOND surprise packet Jacob Townsend never expected to get an AFL call-up, let alone a shot at a premiership, after claiming the VFL’S J.J Liston Trophy.

Jacob Townsend has risen from VFL star to Tigers favourite. Picture: Getty Images

RICHMOND surprise packet Jacob Townsend has capped off his fine VFL season by taking out the J.J. Liston Trophy as the competition’s best-and-fairest player.

The Greater Western Sydney discard polled 18 votes to finish two clear of 2016 winner Michael Gibbons, with Williamstown midfielder Adam Marcon and Werribee on-baller Matt Hanson rounding out the top three with 14 votes.

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Townsend did not poll in the last four rounds due to Richmond’s VFL bye in Round 16 and then earning an AFL call-up for the Tigers’ Round 22 clash against Fremantle.

Tucked away in the VFL for 2017, Townsend, from the NSW town of Leeton, has proven to be a September bloomer for the Tigers with 13 goals in his three games ahead of Richmond’s preliminary final next weekend.

Jacob Townsend didn’t poll in the final four rounds, but it didn’t matter. Picture: Getty Images

He polled in eight of his 15 VFL games, including three three-vote games.

It’s the second consecutive year a Riverina export has taken out the state league best-and-fairest award following Gibbons’ - originally from Coolamon - win last year.

Speaking after his win, Townend admitted to being frustrated as he waited for his chance at AFL and was determined to now grab his opportunity.

“About three or four weeks ago I wasn’t expecting to be playing AFL footy and be kicking goals and playing in a pretty good side that is playing in a prelim,” he said.

Katie Brennan in action for Darebin. Picture: Andy Brownbill

“I didn’t expect to be playing AFL footy at all this year because we were playing so well and everyone has been playing well in their positions.

“I have to pinch myself a bit, especially after the game on the weekend when there was 95,000 at the ‘G and we won and we are into the prelim.”

Darebin’s Katie Brennan was awarded the VFL Women’s best-and-fairest, polling 21 votes from 10 games to finish four votes clear from St Kilda’s Brianna Davey.

Casey Demons forward Bayley Fritsch was named the league’s Fothergill Round medallist as the competition’s most promising young talent, while basketballer-turned-footballer Chloe Molloy was named the VFL Women’s Rising Star.