Scott West was tonight honoured as one of the Western Bulldogs greatest players ever when he had an award created in his honour.
West was forced to the sidelines early in the season following a stress fracture to his left knee and after several attempts to play again he made the decision to give his body time to recover fully and not attempt a return during the Bulldogs finals campaign.
The 33-year-old, who played 324 games after making his debut in 1993 averaged around 30 possessions a game each year and won the Western Bulldogs Best & Fairest seven times.
Tonight he presented the first Scott West Most Courageous Player Award to midfielder Daniel Cross.
Captain Brad Johnson debuted for the Bulldogs in 1994, a year after West, and said he was a significant figure in his development as a player.
"What this guy was able to offer me over my whole career has been enormous, and I wouldn't be the player I am without his support and the support of a couple of other guys that are no longer here.
"In regards to leadership, in my eyes he captained this club in a way, because he offered me so much, and the guidance that he gave me, and the experience and the knowledge he put forward to this group was just huge. The support that I received from him was just enormous, and it's going to be missed, without a doubt."
Scott West’s Career Honours:
2nd Brownlow Medal: 2000, 2006
3rd Brownlow Medal: 1998
Winner Best & Fairest: 1995, 1997, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2005;
2nd Best & Fairest: 2001, 2006
3rd Best & Fairest: 2007
All Australian: 1998, 2000, 2004, 2005, 2006;
International Rules Series: 1999, 2000
AFL Rising Star nominee: 1993
Brownlow Medal: 2007 votes 8; career votes 172.
Draft history: Recruited to the Western Bulldogs from his VMFL zone.
