Josh Jenkins was Adelaide’s strongest key forward in 2018 as he kicked more than 40 goals for a fifth consecutive season.

His 46 majors across 22 games saw him take out the Leading Goalkicker Award at Adelaide’s Club Champion dinner for the first time.

He also ranked ninth overall in the AFL for goals and inside 50s .

The key forward overtook Eddie Betts on the Crows’ overall goalkicking leaderboard by just one goal to sit at fifth with 274.

He provided a pivotal target in the Crows forward line this season, leading the Club in contested marks (27) and finishing equal second for marks (111).

It was a dominant Showdown for Josh Jenkins

Three goals, 18 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles (six inside F50) and six inside 50s in our win over Port #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/ltzstL7OaH — Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 5, 2018

Jenkins also embodied a team-first approach, finishing the year with 14 goal assists, the equal-most of anyone at the Club.

He also laid the most tackles of any Crows forward with 61.

The 29-year-old’s consistent performances saw him achieve his first podium finish in the Malcolm Blight Medal, polling 162 votes to finish third.

At a glance:

Games: 22

Goals: 46

Disposals per game: 12.9

Tackles per game: 2.8

Marks per game: 5

Contested marks per game: 1.2

Best game:

Round 23 v Carlton

Jenkins kicked seven goals from 19 disposals and nine marks in Adelaide’s 104-point victory over Carlton at Etihad Stadium.

He was a powerful target for the Crows from the get-go, kicking three goals before half-time.

His performance saw him top the best and fairest votes for the round with 17.

JJ's goal count. Seed unselfish, tries to get Bull his second before handing it off to Jenkins for the left foot snap. We lead by 110 #weflyasone pic.twitter.com/YhWIbdduml — Adelaide Crows (@Adelaide_FC) August 25, 2018

Post-match, coach Don Pyke said Jenkins had been strong for the Club in 2018.

“He’s developed as a player and as a person around our footy club and I’ve been really happy with his year… his durability has been outstanding,” he said.

“He’s developed his game in a variety of areas and it’s not always about hitting the scoreboard for him, it’s about the other things he does as well and he’s made some steps forward this year.”

Other season highlights:

Round Two v Richmond

Kicked five goals and had 16 disposals to help Adelaide to a 36-point victory in the grand final rematch.

Jenkins used his sizeable frame to dominate All Australian defender Alex Rance, winning several one-on-one contests to have four goals in his account by half-time.

He picked up 16 best and fairest votes for his dominant display.

Round 20 v Port Adelaide

Collected 18 disposals, eight marks, seven tackles, six inside 50s and kicked three goals, including the match-winner in Adelaide’s three-point victory over its cross-town rivals.

The Crows trailed Port by five points with three minutes left in the game before Jenkins snapped a controversial goal to steal the lead and the win.

He was handed 16 best and fairest votes as a result.