A career-best season from veteran Tom Bellchambers has the ruckman among the leading contenders for this year’s Crichton Medal.

Bellchambers has been cruelled by injuries since arriving at the club in 2007, but a comparatively clean bill of health allowed the important Bomber to put together an impressive and consistent season.

After battling for top ruck position at the club throughout his career, Bellchambers secured the spot with authority in 2018, playing a career-high 20 games and proving extremely valuable across the ground.

The 29-year-old recorded personal season records for average rebound-50s, clearances and one-percenters, while also claiming career-high totals for disposals, hit-outs, rebound-50s, inside-50s, clearances, contested possessions, uncontested possessions and one-percenters.

Bellchambers won more than 40 hit-outs on five occasions this year including a remarkable 55 in his 100th game in round nine, illustrating his brilliant form in the middle as he made a significant contribution to the side’s midfield improvements.

BEST PERFORMANCE – Round seven v Hawthorn
On a disappointing day for the Bombers, Bellchambers was a shining light against the Hawks in round seven. He was clearly the dominant ruckman on the ground, using his height to his advantage to pluck eight marks, including a very impressive six contested grabs. Bellchambers also gathered a season-high 20 disposals, season-high 12 contested possessions, four rebound-50s and a goal in an outstanding individual performance.

SEASON AVERAGES
Hit-outs – 32.8
Disposals – 11.5
Contested possessions – 6.2
Contested marks – 1.5
Clearances – 2.8  

The Crichton Medal will be held at Peninsula on Thursday, October 4.

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Keep an eye on essendonfc.com.au for more Crichton Contenders in the lead up to the big night.