Reliable defender Daniel Talia has claimed back-to-back Dr Brian Sando OAM awards.

Talia, 21, won the inaugural Dr Brian Sando OAM Trophy, which was coined last year in memory of the late long-serving Crows doctor and Life Member Dr Brian Sando OAM. It recognises outstanding and professional attention to detail in the standard of preparation for being an AFL footballer.

Regarded as one of the most professional players to ever step foot at West Lakes, Talia is meticulous in his preparation and rehabilitation. He demonstrated this in his recovery from a fractured forearm sustained in Adelaide’s Qualifying Loss to Sydney last year.

“I have a routine and I stick to that. I’m not sure it’s any more professional than anyone else’s, but everyone seems to think it is,” Talia said.

Despite an interrupted pre-season because of the injury, Talia backed up his NAB Rising Star-winning year (2012) with another consistent season in 2013.

He was one of only five Crows to play every game, notching up his 50-game milestone against Port Adelaide in Round 19. Talia conceded an average of only one goal per game to his direct opponents, claiming the scalps of Hawthorn star Lance Franklin, West Coast spearhead Josh Kennedy, North Melbourne forward Drew Petrie and St Kilda champion Nick Riewoldt amongst others.

Selected by Adelaide with pick No.13 in the 2009 AFL National Draft, Talia ranked No.1 at Adelaide and seventh in the AFL for spoils (145) and first at the Club in intercept possessions (107). He also improved his ball-winning ability, improving his disposal average from 8.1 in 2012 to 11.2 and his marks per game from 2.6 to 4.2. Talia also crept forward to kick three goals.

“I’m starting to feel comfortable now. I’ve played the last two-and-a-half years and cemented my spot,” he said.

“Ben Rutten helped me out early in my career, working with me at each training session. Having that experience around you really helps and Ben’s been great for me and Darren Milburn as well.

“I’m glad Truck’s playing on next year. He’s really valuable back there, as is Brent Reilly. At some stage us young guys will have to step up and play without them, but it’s good to have them for another year or two.”