Witherden’s third season as an Eagle was his best yet with the damaging half-back featuring in half his 44 games in blue and gold and finishing eighth in the John Worsfold Medal count. A quality ball-user from defence, Witherden is likely to assume an even more important role as the designated kicker from full-back following the retirement of champion backman Shannon Hurn. The 25-year-old played his 100th career match in the nailbiting one-point defeat to Essendon in round 21 last year at Marvel Stadium.
At a glance: Junior club: Barwon Heads (VIC). Debut: Round 14, 2017. Recruited from: St Joseph's/Geelong College (VIC)/Geelong U18/Brisbane Lions. Brownlow votes: 0.
