VFL Vice-Captain Jackson Hately has taken home Essendon's 2024 Best and Fairest honours at Windy Hill on Wednesday night.
The former GWS and Adelaide midfielder enjoyed a stellar first campaign in red and black, averaging 22 disposals per game across all 18 games this season.
The 23-year-old also highlighted his ability to go forward in booting 17 goals for the year, playing a key role in the side's late surge up the ladder - Hately was also rewarded for frequently displaying the club values on-field, earning the Don of the Year Award.
Hately finished ahead of young AFL-listed defender Lewis Hayes in second place, who was a frequent rock in defence during his second season at the club.
Hayes, who took home Best First Year Player honours in 2023, backed up his debut season with another improved effort, establishing himself as a key piece of the back six and earning himself a new contract extension in the process - the 19-year-old is shaping as an integral pillar of the club's future.
Finishing in third place was skipper Xavier O'Neill, who capped off a strong opening year in Essendon colours.
The former Eagle was a consistent performer all year for the club, also taking home the Jack Feian Best Clubman Award (as voted by the trainers) for his outstanding character shown at the NEC Hangar in the space of 12 months.
The Bombers also celebrated the development of its young and emerging talent, with JHA prospect Matthew Foley claiming the Rising Star Award and Solomon McKay winning for Best Development Player.
The pair have been two of the standouts in Essendon's push to blood young talent through its pathway programs over the last two seasons.
Jo Cowan was named the Stevens Family Most Valuable Staff Member for her contributions to the club as a trainer, going above and beyond in her work at the club day-to-day alongside the staff members and volunteers.
2024 Essendon VFL award winners
Best and Fairest - Jackson Hately
2nd Best and Fairest - Lewis Hayes
3rd Best and Fairest - Xavier O'Neill
Don of the Year - Jackson Hately
Jack Feian Best Clubman Award - Xavier O'Neill
Rising Star Award - Matthew Foley
Best Development Player - Solomon McKay
Stevens Family Most Valuable Staff Member Award - Jo Cowan
