McDonald claims Ryder Medal

After moving from Richmond in the off-season, the 28-year-old polled 37 votes to win by eight from St Kilda captain and triple Ryder Medallist Graeme Rummans, with Lloyd Mash, Matthew Chasemore, Ian Holland and Trent Lawford one vote further back in equal third place on 28.

Lawford third placing is even more impressive after he missed the first five rounds of the season.

McDonald crossed from Richmond in the off-season after playing in the Tigers’ flag in 2011-12.

His consistency, which saw him poll votes in 11 matches, was a big factor in the Demons’ finishing the season on top.

He amassed 568 runs, at an average of 46.39, with his top score an unbeaten 90 against Prahran in round 18.

McDonald also claimed 54 wickets, at an average of 15.98, with his leg-spinners, with three five-wicket hauls, which included 5-68 in the Demons’ premiership victory against Ringwood.

As the premier all-rounder in the competition, McDonald was also picked as number eight in the Team of the Season.

Dandenong’s Tom Donnell and Footscray Edgewater’s Dean Russ were chosen as openers with Rummans selected as captain and number three batsman.

Rummans was followed in the middle-order by Essendon’s Solomon Mire, Mash, Hawthorn Monash University wicketkeeper David Alleyne and Ringwood all-rounder Holland.

Named alongside McDonald in the bowling attack were Prahran quick Rhys Adams, Geelong paceman Marc Carson, Melbourne University speedster Mark Stafford and Prahran leg-spinner Bryce McGain.

Melbourne’s unparalleled season, in which they became the first team to win all three titles in the one season, was capped off with being presented with the JA Seitz Club Championship.

Ringwood’s Jackson Freeman was named the 2^nd XI Player of the Season, with Melbourne’s Tristan Larter claiming the award in the 3^rd XI and Ringwood’s Sam Wade the honours in the 4^th XI.

Jack Ryder Medal Top-15

37 Brenton McDonald – Melbourne
29 Graeme Rummans – St Kilda
28 Lloyd Mash – Fitzroy-Doncaster
28 Peter Dickson – Fitzroy-Doncaster
28 Matthew Chasemore – Frankston Peninsula
28 Trent Lawford – North Melbourne
28 Ian Holland – Ringwood
27 Allan Wise – Richmond
25 Wes Robinson  – Footscray Edgewater
25 Dean Russ – Footscray Edgewater
25 Daniel Salpietro – Prahran
23 James Nanopoulos – Dandenong
22 Cameron White – Richmond
21 Steven Mullaney – Dandenong
20 Tom Donnell – Dandenong