Keitel wins fifth Bernie Naylor Medal after thrilling final round

The Sullivan Logistics WAFL competition’s top-two goal-kickers booted 13 goals between them in the final round as Tyler Keitel snatched his fifth Bernie Naylor Medal in thrilling circumstances.

The West Perth veteran won his third Bernie Naylor Medal in a row in a stunning final round which saw him needing at least five majors against East Fremantle at The Good Grocer Park on Saturday to overcome South Fremantle recruit Trey Ruscoe.

Ruscoe’s Bulldogs had the earlier game against West Coast and smashed the wooden spooners by 87 points with their star forward kicking a staggering 7.7 to finish the home-and-away season with exactly 50 goals.

Ruscoe started the round three goals behind Keitel and finished his Round 20 clash four goals ahead as his impressive debut season at Souths continued.

But sharpshooter Keitel held his nerve in the Falcons’ loss to the Sharks, kicking six of his team’s 10 majors without a minor score on his way to 52 season goals.

Claremont signing Jaiden Hunter finished in third position with 40 goals from just 14 games after a goalless final game against East Perth, kicking 0.5.

Perth key forward Aaron Clarke was fourth on 37 goals from just 13 games after 2.2 in his team’s win over Subiaco, while South Fremantle goalsneak Brandon Donaldson (33 in 14 games) rounded out the top-five placings after kicking five on the Eagles.

Bernie Naylor Medal standings

Tyler Keitel, West Perth: 52 goals in 18 matches

Trey Ruscoe, South Fremantle: 50 goals in 17 matches

Jaiden Hunter, Claremont: 40 goals in 14 matches

Aaron Clarke, Perth: 37 goals in 13 matches

Brandon Donaldson, South Fremantle: 33 goals in 14 matches