Jarrod Brander’s 2020 campaign was, in many ways, a tale of two runs. The exciting 21-year-old started the year strongly, amassing 13 disposals and seven marks in the club’s season opening clash against Melbourne, which kick-started a run of four games in the senior team. But he lost his spot in the starting 22 leading into West Coast’s round five encounter with Sydney and was set the trying task of reclaiming his spot via sporadic scrimmage contests. To his credit, Brander toiled away and fought his way back into the AFL side, making four more appearances in rounds 12, 13, 14 and 17. Having registered eight appearances this year – his most in a single season to date – Brander will no doubt be determined to build on the momentum he mustered in 2020 and hit the ground running when pre-season training begins next week.

Standout performance: Performing in the land of Giants

Brander had his most productive game during West Coast’s final outing at Optus Stadium for the home and away campaign. Starting on the wing, he was busy from the outset but his first major involvement occurred midway through the opening term, when he fired a precise inside 50 to Josh Kennedy, who converted from 30 metres out. That would be the first of Brander’s five attacking entries. When the final siren sounded, he had a season-high 16 disposals, six marks, four score involvements and four rebound 50s to his name. He also racked up a career-best 474 metres gained on the day.

Season averages:

Disposals: 11.1
Marks: 4.5
Score involvements: 2.4
Intercepts: 2.1
Inside 50s: 2.0
Rebound 50s: 1.8
Tackles: 1.5
One percenters: 1.5

2020 AFL statistical rankings:

3^rd among Rising Stars: Marks per game
6^th among Rising Stars: Total marks, total contested marks
7^th among Rising Stars: Kicks per game
8^th among Rising Stars: Contested marks per game
9^th among Rising Stars: Metres gained per game