Richard Douglas started his season in controversial fashion, reported for rough conduct against Essendon’s Zach Merrett in Round One and missing a week after unsuccessfully challenging the charge at the AFL Tribunal.

After returning to the field, the veteran was a reliable presence in Adelaide’s midfield in 2018, averaging 18.4 disposals, 3.1 clearances and 3.2 inside 50s .

He also averaged 3.5 marks and 3.2 tackles across the 17 games he played.

For the third time, Douglas won the Phil Walsh Best Team Man award at Adelaide’s Club Champion dinner for his team-first approach and dedication on and off the field.

Douglas will enter his 14th AFL season with Adelaide in 2019 after signing a one-year contract extension earlier this year.

At a glance:

Games: 17

Goals: 14

Disposals per game: 18.4

Inside 50s per game: 3.2

Clearances per game: 3.1

Best game:

Round Seven v Carlton

Douglas starred in Adelaide’s 55-point victory over the Blues with 28 disposals, eight clearances, seven marks and two goals.

Post-match, Don Pyke said he thought Douglas had been outstanding.

“I thought his work tonight was outstanding, he really linked the game up well for us and he kicked a couple of vital goals in the third quarter,” he said.