Zach Merrett picked up his third Crichton Medal as Essendon’s best and fairest on Tuesday night.
The joint vice-captain and prolific midfielder polled 420 votes to finish well clear ahead of Darcy Parish (339) and Will Snelling (315).
Jordan Ridley (309) and Jake Stringer (286) made up the top five.
Merrett, 25, had already claimed the club champion award in 2016 and 2019, but rates this one as his most satisfying after becoming a more rounded team player.
“In the past it may have come across a little bit selfishly, but I felt like I was very diligent to my role and played really well individually,” he said.
“Whereas I think this year was much more about helping my teammates and bringing them along. It’s really exciting to see guys like Will, Darcy and Kyle get rewarded for their seasons and what they’re doing.
“I think I’ve had a fairly big influence on those guys on and off the field.
“For me, reflecting on this year, I think it sits firmly at the top in that respect. I think I helped more than ever before.”
Merrett, who made the All-Australian team for a second time this year, becomes the fourth youngest Bomber in the history of the club to win three Crichtons.
Crichton Medal Top 10
- Zach Merrett - 420
- Darcy Parish - 339
- Will Snelling - 315
- Jordan Ridley - 309
- Jake Stringer - 286
- Jayden Laverde - 278
- Kyle Langford - 253
- Nick Hind - 223
- Dyson Heppell - 218
- Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti - 214