Playing permanently in attack again, Pavlich was clearly the best forward in the AFL in the second half of the season.
From round 10, right up until the Semi Final in Adelaide, Freo’s skipper booted 58 goals.
He ended the season with 69, tied for second place in the Coleman Medal, which was won by Richmond’s Jack Riewoldt.
Pavlich had some memorable performances, including six goals in wet conditions against the Tigers at the MCG in round 11, and a stunning eight majors that sunk the West Coast Eagles in round 19’s Carlton Mid Derby.
But there were none better than the six-goals Pavlich kicked against reigning premiers Geelong in an Elimination Final at the MCG. Three came in Freo’s withering opening quarter burst.
The rest of his goals were kicked at periods of the game when the Cats were making their challenge.
As well as winning the club’s goal kicking for an eight time, Pavlich passed former Eagles’ greats Peter Sumich and Glen Jakovich for the most goals and games, respectively, by a WA-based AFL player during the 2012 season.
He also kicked his 500th career major in round 7 and looms as a clear favourite to win his seventh Doig Medal.
