Casey’s Riley Bonner has come second in the J.J Liston Trophy for the best and fairest player in the VFL.
The awards night was held at Marvel Stadium on Monday evening, with Bonner polling 21 votes, four short of winner Jacob Dawson, from Southport.
The 28-year-old crossed to Casey after not having his contract renewed by St Kilda last season, with his brilliant campaign following a 112-game AFL career, including 19 outings in 2024.
Bonner has averaged 30 disposals in 2025, controlling the game off halfback and bringing plenty of leadership and energy to the Casey lineup, helping fire the Dees into the VFL semi finals.
Bonner was also named on the halfback line in the VFL team of the year, while teammate Mitch Hardie, fresh off Geelong’s AFL list, was named on the half forward line.
It follows a year where he averaged 26 disposals and kicked 29 goals in 18 games, impressing as both a premiere transition midfielder and player who could push forward and kick goals.
Hardie was Casey’s best player in its semi final loss to Frankston, kicking three goals to go with 23 disposals, nearly clawing Casey to a come-from-behind win.
AFL-listed Jack Billings was also named in the team of the year squad, but did not make the final team.
Dawson and Southport will take on Footscray in the VFL Grand Final on Sunday at Ikon Park.
