Unheralded Bomber Patrick Ambrose has always been a brilliant competitor, but he took his game to a new level in 2019 to put his name into Crichton Medal contention.

A fierce and courageous defender, Ambrose’s 20 games this season was the best return of his career, with only minor injuries keeping him from lining up in every game.

It allowed him to settle into the side and do what he does best; battle bravely in the air and throw his weight around on the deck.

Statistics will never do the 28-year-old’s performances justice, but the unassuming backman’s ability to take on the opposition’s best key forwards and come out on top has been hard to miss this year.

In fact, Ambrose has been the best one-on-one defender in the league this year.

His 13.7 per cent loss rate from 51 contested defence one on one contests was clearly the best of those with 50 or more contests throughout the season, and the best rate of those ranked in the top 99 players for one on one contests.

But Ambrose is no one-trick pony; he showed once again this year that he is more than capable of holding his own both as a pack-crashing forward and a defensive midfielder, with an impressive performance against Fremantle star Nat Fyfe proving to be crucial in the Bombers’ victory over the Dockers in round 22.

Ambrose did a terrific job on Nat Fyfe at Optus Stadium in round 22. (Image: AFL Photos)

A vital part of the club’s top 22 this year, Ambrose could be a good smokey for the best and fairest this year.

SEASON AVERAGES

Disposals: 10.2

Efficiency: 78.4%

One percenters: 5.6

Intercept possessions: 5

Spoils: 4.8

CLUB RANKING (AVE. PER GAME)

2nd – Contested defence loss percentage (13.7%)

4th – One percenters, spoils

6th – Disposal efficiency

Harry Perryman wasn’t the only player to come off worse for wear after taking on Ambrose this year. (Image: AFL Photos)

TOP THREE PERFORMANCES

Round 4 vs Brisbane

Ambrose continued his strong start to the season against the Lions at the MCG, keeping emerging young Lion Eric Hipwood to just two marks and a lone goal. He gathered seven disposals alongside 10 one percenters and nine spoils in the impressive defensive performance.

Round 18 vs Adelaide

The Bombers were in trouble late in the second term against the Crows at Adelaide Oval, falling behind by 30 points due in large part to a four-goal first half from former Bomber Josh Jenkins.

Ambrose, returning from a three-week quad injury, was given the task to lock down Jenkins and he did so brilliantly, keeping the Crow goalless in the second half. He also racked up 15 disposals, nine intercept possessions, eight contested possessions and five spoils, playing a part in several scoring chains throughout the game. 

Round 20 vs Port Adelaide

Port Adelaide forward Charlie Dixon was held goalless just once this year and that was all thanks to Ambrose. He held the key goalkicker to just five disposals, while claiming 10 disposals (at 100 per cent efficiency), six one percenters, five spoils, five one-on-one victories and three contested marks himself in a huge performance.

The Crichton Medal will be held at The Plenary on Tuesday, October 1. Click on the image below to secure your tickets.