A hamstring tear late in the season scuppered his chances of tasting finals action, but Vandermeer is well accustomed to fighting his way out of the injury ward and back out onto the field.
“It's definitely a year to remember, your debut year,” Vandermeer said when receiving his accolade last week.
“Obviously this is a great recognition, I've worked really hard for it as many of us have, I probably couldn't have picked a better club to debut for.
“I think going into this pre-season there's a bit more confidence to know that I am capable of doing well at this level.
“Obviously with 12 games under the belt it helps, I just think I'll keep looking to improve on anything I can for next year.”
Bulldogs development manager Jamie Maddocks had glowing praise for Vandermeer and his approach to setbacks throughout his budding career.
“He had a great impact with his speed and tenacity, his ability to close space and be aggressive in all phases,” Maddocks said.
“Along his journey he has endured a fair bit of injury. Injuries teach you many things. They teach you life lessons about patience and slowing down.
“They teach you football lessons while watching on from the outer, and they teach you things about yourself.
“His injuries and his time away from the game have also taught us, the coaches, fans, members, how excited we are to watch him play more senior footy in season 2021.”
Kialla's Alex Keath also put in a strong showing on Charles Sutton Medal night, finishing sixth in the club's best-and-fairest count with 118 votes.
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