Rowan Marshall scores runner-up finish in St Kilda's best and fairest

The 23-year-old capped off a breakout season, where he staked his claim for the club's number one ruck role, finishing second behind midfielder Seb Ross in the Trevor Barker Award.

Marshall, who grew up in Portland, was 18 votes behind Ross and edged out tackling machine Jack Steele by just one vote.

He featured heavily on the stage throughout an emotional night as the club mourned the tragic death of former captain and favourite son Danny Frawley.

The emerging star, who collected the Best Emerging Player Award and the Lenny Hayes Players' Player Award, now jets off for a well-earned overseas holiday on Thursday.

"Off to the States for three-and-a-half weeks, which I am really looking forward to," he told the St Kilda website.

"There are four of us going over just travelling around. I'm looking forward to getting a bit of sun - I can't wait to get away."

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Marshall thanked assistant coaches Brendon Lade and Adam Skrobalak for helping him during his breakout season.

Recently appointed senior coach Brett Rattern praised Marshall's year, where he played 20 of his 33 career games.

"Rowan has really thrived since moving into the ruck," he told the club's website.

"He grabbed the opportunity with both hands and has impressed not only us at the Saints, but many across the competition."

Marshall averaged 17.8 disposals and 28.4 hit-outs a game this season.

His efforts against Carlton (16 disposals, eight marks, 23 hit-outs, two goals) and Adelaide (14 disposals, six marks, 18 hit-outs) against experienced ruckmen were examples of his steep improvement this year.

He also signed a new contract, which keeps him at the club until the end of the 2020 season.

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