Kane Cornes has given out his awards for the ongoing AFL season.
Originally set for mid-season awards, these have been delayed until now.
The Port Adelaide games record holder and premiership player has looked at five main categories - the biggest surprise, biggest disappointment, most improved player, recruit of the year and the All-Australian captain.
See them below:
Biggest surprise
Port Adelaide
“If you are truly honest and you did your top eight prior to the start of the year, where did you have Port Adelaide?
“I guarantee you no one had them on top of the ladder with the percentage they’ve got after 11 games.
“They’re second for scoring, third for defence in the competition and they are being coached extremely well.
“They are the biggest surprise to me.”
Honourable mention
St Kilda
“In the running as well. They deserve a mention going from 14th last year to currently fifth.”
Biggest disappointment
Adelaide
“We know it was going to be a tough year for Adelaide but no one predicted them to be where they are.
“Zero and eleven and perhaps the worst side in 56 years.
“They average just 44 points a game and they are three wins and 26 per cent below the 17th ranked team.
“It’s been a catastrophe for Matthew Nicks and the Crows.”
Honourable mentions
“Also deserving of a mention is North Melbourne, Essendon and Melbourne who all have claims to this award.”
Most improved player
Sam Menegola (Geelong)
“He is having a great year. He’s 28 years of age so can a 28-year-old win this award? Absolutely.
“He has had more disposals than any other Cat this year, he’s going at a goal a game.
“Not bad for a player plucked off the rookie list some time ago. What a player he’s been this year.”
Honourable mention
Lachie Weller (Gold Coast)
“I want to give a shout-out to Lachie Weller.
“Many people, including myself, scoffed when Gold Coast did give that pick two to Fremantle at the end of 2017.
“But I think Gold Coast are laughing now. He’s clean, he’s fast, he’s got a beautiful kick.”
Recruit of the year
Dan Butler (St Kilda)
“He only had four touches against the Cats on Monday but he’s been the best small forward in terms of value for money.
“Seven games for Richmond last year, Saints got him for basically nothing. Pick 56 they got Dan Butler for and he’s well on top of St Kilda’s goal kicking with 21.
“He’s been the bargain recruit of the year with maximum impact.”
Honourable mentions
Tim Kelly (West Coast)
“I do love the impact Tim Kelly is having at West Coast now, particularly in the last five weeks.
“Although West Coast are a bit different to what St Kilda gave up for Butler. They gave a lot to get him (Kelly) with a big wage.”
Dougal Howard (St Kilda)
“I predicted that he’d have a massive impact for the Saints and he’s doing just that.”
All-Australian captain
Travis Boak (Port Adelaide)
“He’s not captain of Port Adelaide but you couldn’t see any individual having a bigger impact on their team than what Travis Boak has had.
“If you’re the best player in the best team in the competition, and you have leadership like Travis Boak does, then hand him the All-Australian captaincy now.”
Honourable mention
Lachie Neale (Brisbane)
“I wouldn’t have an issue with him either. I know he’s not captain but that doesn’t mean you can’t be the All-Australian captain as Lance Franklin has found out.”
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