As Collingwood’s 2017 season came to a close on Friday evening, the future shone under the bright lights at Crown Palladium.
Seven of the top ten vote getters for the E.W. Copeland Trophy were aged 25 or younger, in what was an exciting sign for season 2018.
Budding defender Brayden Maynard was the youngest to poll of the top ten, recording 79 votes to finish in eighth position in the E.W. Copeland Trophy.
The 21-year-old played every game in 2017 – averaging 17 disposals, three tackles and four marks – to take his career total to 51 games.
In the midfield, 24-year-olds Taylor Adams and Adam Treloar were recognised for their impressive seasons, finishing as runners up to Steele Sidebottom for the prized Copeland Medal.
In his first year as one of Collingwood’s vice-captains, Adams averaged career-best numbers with 30 disposals, six tackles and six clearances, while Treloar was nominated for an All-Australian spot after starring in the middle for the Pies.
Fresh off signing a new three-year contract to remain at the Holden Centre, 23-year-old Brodie Grundy capped off a brilliant 2017 season, finishing in fifth place to claim the Jack Regan Trophy.
Exciting forward Jamie Elliott made a successful return to football this year, after missing the 2016 campaign with a serious back injury.
Still only 25 years of age, Elliott claimed his second Gordon Coventry Award after leading the Magpies with 34 goals this season.
PIES’ FUTURE SHINES BRIGHT AT COPELAND
Player, age, career games, 2017 Copeland votes
Taylor Adams - 24 years old, 97 games, 139 votes – 2nd place
Adam Treloar – 24 years old, 122 games, 112 votes – 3rd place
Brodie Grundy – 23 years old, 82 games, 92 votes – 5th place
Jack Crisp – 24 years old, 84 games, 91 votes – 7th place
Brayden Maynard – 21 years old, 51 games, 79 votes – 8th place
Jamie Elliott – 25 years old, 89 games, 69 votes – 9th place
Will Hoskin-Elliott – 24 years old, 74 games, 69 votes – 10th place
Darcy Moore – 21 years old, 47 games, 53 votes
Alex Fasolo – 25 years old, 100 games, 48 votes
Jordan De Goey – 21 years old, 50 games, 41 votes
Tom Phillips – 21 years old, 24 games, 30 votes
Adam Treloar, Brodie Grundy and Jack Crisp will be raring to go in 2018. Image: AFL Photos.