JYE Chalcraft has been crowned the 2022 VFL Best and Fairest at GMHBA Stadium on Thursday night.

Chalcraft was a standout performer for the Bendigo Bank Cats during the Smithy’s VFL season polling 162 votes from 17 games to win his first Club best and fairest award.

Chalcraft was consistently named in Geelong’s best week-to-week averaging 23 disposals and four tackles per game playing in the midfield.

He joined Geelong’s VFL program in 2021 playing seven games in his rookie season. Prior to joining the Cats, he came through the junior ranks at the Murray Bushrangers and Shepparton United.

Co-captain's Matthew Ling and Jackson McLachlan finished equal second with 142 votes.

Ling averaged 18 disposals and five marks per game playing predominantly across the half back flank where he used his elite left foot with great effect.

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At the opposite end of the ground Jackson McLachlan was a consistent performer rotating between the midfield and attack playing 18 games and kicking 13 goals. He averaged 15 disposals and four tackles per game.

Ben Lloyd (129 votes) and Dan Capiron (125 votes) round out the top five.

Small forward Francis Evans was the best placed of the AFL-listed player's finishing sixth, with Shannon Neale, Oliver Dempsey, Mitch Knevitt and Nick Stevens also featuring inside the top 10.

Evans’ average of 9.1 votes per game was the second best behind winner Jye Chalcraft on 9.5 ahead of Cooper Stephens (8.5).

Geelong’s VFL Best & Fairest Top 10

1st Jye Chalcraft – 162 votes
= 2nd Matt Ling – 142 votes
= 2nd Jackson McLachlan 142 votes
4th Ben Lloyd – 129 votes
5th Dan Capiron – 125 votes
6th Francis Evans – 110 votes
= 7th Shannon Neale – 106 votes
= 7th Oliver Dempsey – 106 votes
9th Mitch Knevitt – 101 votes
10th Nick Stevens – 99 votes