Danger flies, but Bont coaches’ pick

WESTERN Bulldogs superstar Marcus Bontempelli has been crowned the best player of 2019 by footy’s most respected judges, the AFL’s senior coaches.

Capping a career-best season, the brilliant onballer polled 107 votes to pip fastfinishing Cat Patrick Dangerfield (90) and Fremantle gun Nat Fyfe (88).

It continues the awards for Bontempelli, who also took out the Herald Sun player of the year and is fourth favourite ($7 with TAB) to win the Brownlow Medal.

Dangerfield is the $2.50 favourite for the Brownlow and flew home in the coaches’ award, polling 28 out of a possible 30 votes in the final three games.

Bontempelli, who also won best and fairests in 2016 and 2017, took his game to new heights this season, averaging 27 disposals, six clearances and almost one goal a game.

AFL Coaches’ Association chief executive Mark Brayshaw said the Bulldog rose above his peers in 2019.

The 193cm clearance king casts a shadow over the finals campaign, with the Giants certain to put tagger Matt de Boer on Bontempelli to try to curb his influence in Saturday week’s elimination final.

Geelong’s Tim Kelly, who did not poll a vote in the final two rounds, finished fourth on 86 votes, ahead of Carlton juggernaut Patrick Cripps and Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy (82).

Bontempelli’s midfield teammates Jack Macrae (75) and Josh Dunkley (72) finishing ninth and 10th.

Richmond jet Dustin Martin also surged home, polling 23 votes in the last three games to finish equal 11th alongside North tough nut Ben Cunnington.

Three of the past 10 winners in the AFLCA award have also taken out the Brownlow Medal in the same year — Martin (2017), Dangerfield (2016) and Gary Ablett (2009).