AHEAD of Port Adelaide’s Best and Fairest count on Friday night, portadelaidefc.com.au takes a look at who is in contention for the John Cahill and A.R. McLean medals.
The John Cahill Medal is awarded to Port Adelaide’s best and fairest player in the AFL. After the completion of every game, Port Adelaide’s coaches and General Manager – Football Chris Davies cast their votes, rating each player’s performance between 0-5, with a maximum of 20 and minimum of zero votes per player per game awarded.
The same process is undertaken in the SANFL, with the Magpies’ best and fairest player receiving the A. R. McLean Medal.
John Cahill Medal contender - Dan Houston
Dan Houston had made a name for himself running off the half-back flank for Port Adelaide since debuting in 2017.
But midway through 2019, Houston was moved into the midfield. At times he was asked to play a run-with role and others he went and hunted the ball himself.
The 22-year-old had career-highs for kicks (20 vs North Melbourne), handballs (17 vs GWS), disposals (29 vs North Melbourne), tackles (nine vs Sydney) and goals (two vs Sydney) this season.
His breakout season has already been acknowledged this season with selection in the AFL Players' Association 22Under22 side.
Houston was the recipient of the Gavin Wanganeen Award - given to the best AFL player under 21 - and the Coaches’ Award at last year’s best and fairest.
Houston’s standout performances:
Round 4 vs Richmond - 23 disposals, eight marks, one goal
Round 8 vs Adelaide - 25 disposals, seven marks, five tackles
Round 10 vs Hawthorn - 27 disposals, five marks
Round 11 vs St Kilda - 28 disposals, five marks
Round 13 vs Fremantle - 22 disposals, seven tackles
Round 14 vs Geelong - 26 disposals, six tackles
Round 19 vs GWS - 29 disposals, seven tackles
Round 20 vs Essendon - 29 disposals, 10 marks, two goals
Round 21 vs Sydney - 17 disposals, six marks, nine tackles, one goal
Round 22 vs North Melbourne - 29 disposals, five marks
