A stellar year from Matt Dea in defence has seen him awarded the ‘Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous’ award at the 2016 Crichton Medal. 

Joining the Bombers at the beginning of the 2016 Season, Dea was one of the club’s additional recruits that quickly cemented his spot in the team.

Playing in the backline, Dea’s immense courage and willingness to put his body on the line earned him the respect of the coaches, his teammates and fans alike. 

Delisted by the Tigers at the end of 2015, the 24-year old proved that he was more than up to the task of playing senior football and reached his 50th game milestone late in the season. 

Dea’s exploits in the backline were particularly important when the Bombers’ lost the services of Mark Baguley. 

The vice-Captain spoke highly of his teammate, seeing him as a worthy recipient of the title of ‘Most Courageous’.

“I like to see the backmen win that award because most of them are pretty courageous, they play their role each week,” Baguley told Bomber Radio

“Perhaps someone like Matty Dea who has had a really consistent year.” 

Dea played a total of  21 games for the Bombers, averaging 17 disposals, six marks, two tackles and three rebound 50s.