Aaron Heppell has emerged from a strong pack to win his second R.A Freeman Medal as the best and fairest Essendon VFL player for 2018.
After a consistent and versatile season, the vice-captain received his second gong in five years at The Hangar at the VFL Men’s and Women’s Best & Fairest night at Fenix Events.
The 23-year-old finished the count with 290 votes ahead of second-placed Nick Hind (251 votes) and third-placed Dylan Clarke (249 votes).
Heppell averaged 20 disposals, four clearances and five tackles across his 18 games in 2018 with his tireless commitment to playing whatever role was required of him the hallmark of his game.
It was a case of déjà vu for Heppell, who was announced as a half-back in the VFL Team of the Year at the J.J Liston Trophy count just over a fortnight ago.
It’s the second time the midfielder-defender has completed the double after claiming his first R.A Freeman Medal and Team of the Year back in 2016.
Jamieson Sheahan claimed the Best First-Year Player Award, while captain Heath Hocking was the recipient of the coveted Jack Feain Best Clubman Award.
Small forward Danny Younan walked away with the leading goalkicker award after finishing the home and away season with 35 goals, ranked third in VFL.
R.A FREEMAN MEDAL TOP FIVE:
Heppell 290
Hind 251
Clarke 249
Merrett 211
Zerk-Thatcher/Draper 209
