Camperdown export Easton Wood wins Western Bulldogs' best and fairest

The Camperdown export edged out skipper Bob Murphy and second-year jet Marcus Bontempelli to collect the Charles Sutton Medal on Wednesday night.

Wood polled 268 votes – 39 votes clear of Murphy and 42 ahead of Bontempelli.

He played 22 games in 2015, including the Dogs’ heartbreaking elimination final loss to Adelaide.

Wood, 26, starred across half-back and earned All-Australian selection as a rebounding defender after leading the competition in intercept marks.

The Hampden league has now produced three AFL best and fairest winners in the past two years.

Warrnambool export Jordan Lewis (Hawthorn) and Cobden talent Ben Cunnington (North Melbourne) both headed their respective club counts in 2014.

The Hawks and Kangaroos are yet to announce their 2015 winners.

Wood, speaking to Western Bulldogs’ website after his win, said he was humbled to etch his name into the Whitten Oval history books.

“I can’t believe it. I think overwhelmed is the word,” he said.

“I never imagined that this would be an honour that I would have the pleasure of (winning).”

Wood has endured persistent injuries throughout his seven years at the elite level but found consistency in 2015.

The club showed faith in the athletic talent, offering him a three-year deal in April.

“I’d never played a whole year before,” he said.

“I missed one game this year, so I still wasn’t able to do it but I felt like after the first few rounds my confidence started to grow and I think that was in line with the team’s belief.”

Wood said Murphy – the Bulldogs’ heartbeat – was an idol when he arrived at the Kennel.

The 87-game defender said it was an honour to play in the back six alongside the respected veteran.

Murphy joined Wood in the All-Australian team, named on half-back flank.

They were among three Bulldogs to earn selection with emerging forward Jake Stringer also picked in the league’s best 22.

“He (Murphy) was someone I really looked up to on and off the field who I wanted to model myself around,” Wood said.

“To get All-Australian and share that with him and share the podium with him (at the best and fairest), albeit in my mind the wrong way around, I honestly can’t believe it.”