In a bit of a surprise result, midfielder David Zaharakis has won the Bombers Best & Fairest Award – the Crichton Medal ahead of Brent Stanton and Michael Hurley.

Zaharakis, 21, played every game this year and polled in 15 of 23 matches.

‘‘David has had an outstanding year this season and has developed into a really important player for the team,” Essendon coach James Hird said. “David was able to spend more time through the midfield this year and, to his credit, made the most of every opportunity. He has an incredible work ethic and an abundance of talent and to have a Crichton Medal to his name after only three seasons at the club is a sign of things to come.”

Crichton Medal Top 10
David Zaharakis 332
Brent Stanton 313
Michael Hurley 292
Jobe Watson 270
Heath Hocking 248
Dustin Fletcher 231
Dyson Heppell 226
Stewart Crameri 225
Patrick Ryder 224
Ben Howlett 216

Other award winners:
Best Clubman– Dustin Fletcher
Matthew Lloyd Senior Leading Goal Kicking – Stewart Crameri
Lindsay Griffiths Rising Star – Dyson Heppell
Most Improved Player – Stewart Crameri
Adam Ramanauskas Most Courageous Player – Michael Hurley
Striving for Excellence – Heath Hocking