Just like the teams they play for, every year players move forward, and some move backwards.
Whether it be their form, their ladder position, every season is a year of fluctuations. So while some players reach the end of the line or hit a rough form patch, others breakout and enjoy career-best years, catch the eyes of fans and coaches alike.
While some sides struggled, even the worst sides had players on the up, whether it be a rookie growing into themselves, or an established star reaching a new level, every club had a player that got better this season.
If Dearden is the most improved player in the competition, Dylan Brown is an extremely narrow second. The Kiwis five-eighth had just two try-assists in 2021, an abysmal effort for a starting No. 6 for a top side.
He equalled his 2021 try-assist tally by the end of Round 2 this season. The New Zealander is so nonchalant in his everyday life, however his attention to detail and fearlessness in attack is what left Brown borderline robbed of the Dally M Five-Eighth of the Year.
